SAIPAN — A corrections officer and a female suspect were arrested Tuesday evening after Department of Corrections staff, working with the Department of Public Safety, intercepted an attempt to smuggle methamphetamine, marijuana, tobacco, lighters, food and sodas into the DOC facility, Commissioner Anthony Torres announced at a press conference Wednesday afternoon.
Torres said the incident occurred Monday evening, March 24, and that both individuals were taken into custody without incident. The contraband was seized and the matter has been referred to the Office of the Attorney General for prosecution.
The identities of the individuals arrested are being withheld pending formal charging and out of respect for ongoing investigative procedures. Torres said an arraignment or initial court appearance could come as early as Thursday.
“Maintaining the security integrity of our facilities is non-negotiable,” Torres said. “We will not tolerate any breach of trust by our own personnel or anyone attempting to undermine the safety of our operations.”
Torres displayed the seized contraband at the press conference, which included what he identified as methamphetamine, marijuana, chewing tobacco, sodas, food items and lighters. He said the haul was intercepted in a single operation.
When asked whether other officers may be involved, Torres said investigators would look at everything. “I’m not playing games,” he said. “We’re going to hold anybody who’s colluding with any suspects or even individuals that we have here who are locked up to the fullest extent of the law.”
Torres credited strong collaboration with DPS and federal law enforcement partners, as well as recently upgraded surveillance technology, with making the interdiction possible. He declined to elaborate on the specific methods used, citing the ongoing investigation.
The commissioner said the arrested officer has been placed in protective custody, separated from the general inmate population, due to their prior law enforcement status.
Torres said DOC is actively partnering with the U.S. Marshal Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI and the DEA through task force assignments. “These partnerships give us real-time intelligence, advanced tools and stronger interdiction capabilities than ever before,” he said.
In a direct message to his staff, Torres was unambiguous. “If you wore the CNMI DOC uniform, you are held to the highest standard,” he said. “There will be no exceptions, no second chances and no protection for anyone who chooses this path. Those who betray their oath will be investigated, arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Torres also used the press conference to encourage qualified candidates to apply for positions at DOC ahead of an upcoming academy. Applications are available through CNMI OPM and close April 2. Torres said he is looking to bring on up to 40 additional officers and is seeking candidates who are coachable, resilient and committed to accountability. He noted the minimum English placement score required is 84 out of 100 and that applicants must pass a physical agility test.
Anyone with information about contraband smuggling or corruption within DOC is encouraged to contact the department anonymously or through official channels.
