KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) — Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. has announced that his administration is intensifying efforts to combat the influx of illegal drugs by enhancing cooperation among various agencies.
He has also called on the Palau National Congress to pass stricter legislation regarding drug offenses.
“Last year, I urged the Olbiil Era Kelulau to enact a bill for tougher law enforcement policies and harsher penalties for repeat offenders,” he said.
“If passed, this legislation would have an immediate impact and send a clear message that we will not tolerate drugs in our community. I encourage your support for this bill,” he added.
In his recent State of the Republic Address, Whipps reported that the Attorney General’s Office prosecuted five meth-related cases last year, collecting $57,900 in fines.
He said with improved reporting, there were 15 meth-related convictions last year, resulting in $195,750 in fines, over triple the amount recorded in 2019.
Since the current administration took office, the AG’s office has filed 17 drug-related cases.
From January 2023 to March 2025, Customs and Border Protection officers confiscated more than 2,600 grams of methamphetamine, 32 grams of cocaine, and 123 vaping devices.
Additionally, Whipps announced that the Bureau of Public Safety will no longer accept food or products from visitors, ending a long-standing practice.
Surveillance cameras have also been installed at the facility to enhance security.
The new Corrections facility will provide rehabilitation programs to reduce recidivism, particularly among those convicted of drug offences, Whipps said.
“These combined efforts are crucial in our fight against illegal drugs and organized crime. However, the government cannot do it alone,” he added.
He highlighted the importance of increased cooperation across agencies such as Customs, the Airport, Immigration, Labor, and the Post Office, working alongside with the FBI, the DEA, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the NCIS, the CIA, and the Taiwan Justice Department.
This collaboration has been instrumental in deterring crime, Whipps said as he also praised the leadership of the Office of the National Security Coordinator for its role in coordinating efforts to combat illegal drugs and organized crime.
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. speaks at an interview with Reuters in Tokyo, Japan, June 14, 2023.