Associate Judge Ramona A. Manglona signed an arrest and a search warrant against Roy S. Norita, 40, on Feb 25.
Yesterday, Superior Court Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja imposed a $30,000 bail on the defendant during the bail hearing.
Norita was charged with illegal possession of a controlled substance and trafficking. The defendant was represented by Assistant Public Defender Douglas Hartig while Chief Prosecutor Kevin A. Lynch appeared on behalf of the government.
If the defendant posts bail, he is subject to follow several court conditions: returning to the court whenever required to do so, surrendering his travel documents and not leaving Saipan without court permission. He must also stay away from all airports and seaports and obey all laws CNMI and federal laws.
Naraja set the preliminary hearing examination for March 6, and the arraignment for March 9.
Police Detective Peter R. Camacho stated in his affidavit that on Feb. 11 and 20, members of the Department of Public Safety’s local narcotics unit conducted a controlled and monitored purchase of methamphetamine or ice through a cooperating source from the defendant, using official authorized funds.
Camacho said both controlled purchases of ice were later field-tested and the results came out presumptive positive for ice.
Camacho said the cooperating source informed them that he saw two high power rifles in the defendant’s residence.
Further investigation showed that Norita had no personal firearms registered under DPS records.
The cooperating source informed the authorities that the defendant is very active in distributing ice.
The defendant was remanded to the custody of the Department of Corrections after yesterday’s hearing.
