He vowed to continue going after DPS personnel who break the law.
Richards, 38, was arrested with Belinda Omenkar, 32.
On the following day, in federal court, Tinian Patrol Officer Gilbert Macaranas admitted aiding and abetting “ice” trafficking.
“I would not tolerate such abuse of authority,” Tudela said.
“I want to see his exit in the department,” he added, referring to Richards whom he suspended without pay.
The CNMI Joint Drug Task Force, which included Customs, arrested Omenkar and Richards after a drug deal.
Omenkar identified Richards as her driver during the drug deal.
Richards’ service firearm was also recovered by the police from his vehicle.
Richards was reinstated by DPS last February after the Superior Court dismissed without prejudice the burglary case against him.
Tudela also announced the removal of Police Officer 1 Kelani Vincent Pangelinan from the service.
The Superior Court has sentenced the 21-year-old Pangelinan to three years and six months imprisonment for assault with a dangerous weapon.
Using his government-issued handgun last February, Pangelinan fired the weapon two times at his partner.
Tudela at the same time said a police officer and a fire firefighter have been reinstated after serving a 30-day suspension.
The two earlier tested positive for ice.
DPS internal affairs officer-in-charge Sgt. Joseph Flores said the two personnel underwent re-training before their reinstatement to active duty.
“We ask the community to instill faith in the department. We’re policing our own. We do our work, and it is very hard. This is an unfortunate incident,” said DPS acting spokesman PO2 Jason Tarkong, referring to the arrest of Richards.
