DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas, left, with Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres, center, and Division of Customs and Biosecurity Director Jose Mafnas.
Millie Mantanona
THE CNMI Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted an operation that led to the arrest of a woman who was carrying 1.03 pounds of methamphetamine in her handbag upon her arrival from Guam at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport on Aug. 30, 2024.
Millie Reyes Mantanona, a 48-year-old resident of Mongmong, Guam, was arrested, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas said in a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
Joining him were the heads of the other DETF members: Division of Customs Biosecurity Director Jose Mafnas, Department of Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres, Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco Control Director David Maratita, and Department of Commerce Secretary Remy Mafnas.
“Working on intelligence information,” Macaranas said, “task force officers learned that Mantanona was scheduled to arrive in Saipan. A controlled operation led to the arrest of Mantanona and the seizure of 1.03 pounds of methamphetamine which was found in her handbag and contained in a large, clear Ziploc bag.”
A search warrant signed by Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho was executed in Mantanona’s hotel room on Aug. 31. “An additional two pounds of methamphetamine were discovered and seized,” Macaranas added.
The total worth of the seized drugs was $281,000.
Macaranas said the successful seizure of illicit drugs and arrest of the defendant were made possible by collaboration with the DETF agencies.
“The task force has worked collaboratively and effectively,” he added. “Mantanona’s arrest shows our continued vigilance in intercepting these types of drugs coming to the CNMI.”
As the investigation is still ongoing, Macaranas cannot say whether other individuals have been identified in connection with Mantanona’s case.
“We are still gathering more information as to Mantanona’s involvement, and her presence here in the CNMI. The task force is diligently investigating how she was able to come in with the drugs. There might be other people involved, but that is still under investigation,” he added.
Macaranas encourages community members to report to DPS if “they see or hear” any drug activity in their areas.
Mantanona was charged with trafficking and possession of a controlled substance and is currently being detained at Corrections. Her bail was set at $100,000.
Mantanona’s case was recently unsealed by the CNMI Superior Court, and she is scheduled to appear in court for a bail hearing on Sept. 18, 2024.
No other information about the defendant was available as of press time Thursday evening.
ABTC Director David Maratita, right, and Commerce Secretary Remy Mafnas at a joint press conference of the CNMI Drug Enforcement Task Force on Thursday.
