ALONG with those of Hawaii and Guam, the crystal methamphetamine sold in the CNMI is among the purest in the world, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
DEA Special Agent Deborah Muusers said the “ice” distributed in the CNMI is over 90 percent or 98 percent pure.
Muusers discussed “ice” in her testimony yesterday during the jury trial of David Tanaka Diaz, who was charged in Superior Court for alleged drug trafficking.
Muusers said there are two types of “ice”: one is crystal methamphetamine which is purer, and methamphetamine hydrochloride which is less pure.
The special agent said the 144 grams of “ice” confiscated from Diaz in Aug. 2001 were the largest single seizure in the CNMI since 1995.
Having 144 grams of “ice” is not consistent with personal use, she said, adding that a person with that huge amount of “ice” is considered a high level drug retailer.
The jury trial of Diaz began Monday. He was charged for alleged trafficking and possession of 144 grams of “ice” and marijuana. Assistant Attorneys General Janine Udui and Daniel Cohan are prosecuting the case. Court-appointed counsel Antonio Atalig is Diaz’s attorney.
Last Aug. 29, combined elements from different law enforcement agencies arrested the defendant and allegedly seized from him 144 grams of crystal methamphetamine with a total street value of $200,000.
