BOAT Captain Ramon Jose Quitano Sablan and his crewmember, Maverick Ryan Iguel Marlik, have tested positive for methamphetamine use, the U.S. Probation Office informed the District Court for the NMI.
Recently, Sablan and Marlik, through their court-appointed attorneys, pled not guilty to the charge of illegally transporting Chinese nationals by boat to Guam.
In an informational report filed in federal court, U.S. Probation Officer Juanette David-Atalig stated that on Feb. 5, 2024, Sablan was instructed to submit to a random drug test.
When asked what he believed the test result would be, Sablan stated, “positive.”
David-Atalig said Sablan admitted that he last smoked methamphetamine on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024.
As for Marlik, he was instructed to submit to a random drug test after he was processed for pretrial supervision on Feb. 5, 2024.
According to David-Atalig, when asked what he believed the test result would be, Marlik stated, “positive.”
Marlik said the last time he smoked methamphetamine was on Jan. 28, 2024, the day before he was arrested.
David-Atalig said she inquired if he used methamphetamine after Jan. 28, 2024. Marlik said no, she added.
However, Probation Officer Gregory Arriola, who administered the drug test, informed David-Atalig afterward that Marlik admitted to smoking methamphetamine on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.
David-Atalig said her report is submitted for informational purposes only and no action is requested as both defendants will be referred to the Community Guidance Center for substance abuse treatment.
The defendants’ compliance will be monitored and any additional violations will be reported to the court accordingly, she added.
Sablan and Marlik, represented by attorney Janet King and by attorney Bruce Berline, respectively, waived the reading of their rights at the initial hearing and arraignment on Jan. 31, 2024.
Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona accepted their not-guilty plea and scheduled a jury trial for April 2 at 10 a.m.
Both defendants were released on a $1,000 unsecured bond and were ordered to abide by the terms and conditions of their release.
Their co-defendants, Yan Juan Hu Taitano and Lee Jesse Omar Reyes, through their respective court-appointed attorneys, also pled not guilty to the charge against them. Their jury trial will also start on April 2.
Taitano and Reyes were likewise released on their own recognizance.
After she was informed that Taitano and Sablan are in a relationship, Judge Manglona amended her order, which set conditions regarding Taitano’s contact with Sablan.
The four defendants were charged with conspiracy to transport nine illegal aliens to Guam.
