SAIPAN — Three people were arrested early Saturday after a patrol officer observed them acting suspiciously near government vehicles parked at the Mayor’s Office, leading to the discovery of siphoned fuel and methamphetamine, the Department of Public Safety said.
At approximately 1:59 a.m. March 28, an officer on routine patrol near Ada Gym observed a green Toyota Camry park west of the Mayor’s Office building. Two male occupants exited the vehicle and walked toward an area where multiple government vehicles were parked. About 13 minutes later, they returned to the car and drove off. Officers intercepted the vehicle at the entrance roadway to the Mayor’s Office.
With consent to search the vehicle, officers found a 5-gallon fuel container filled with gasoline and a green hose with a strong odor of gasoline in the trunk. An inspection of the northwestern parking area revealed a cut fuel hose on one of the government vehicles.
During a pat-down of a female occupant conducted by a female officer, a ziplock bag containing a white crystalline substance was found. The substance tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine using a TruNarc device at approximately 3:27 a.m. and had a gross weight of approximately 0.57 grams.
All three were transported to the Department of Corrections and booked. Those charged are Albert Kaipat, 49, and Nola Magofna, 34, both charged with vandalism and theft, and Norlina Kaipat, 37, charged with vandalism, theft and illegal possession of a controlled substance. The investigation is ongoing.
