Following Drug Enforcement Task Force sting operations, a man and woman were arrested for trafficking methamphetamine. The duo appeared before the NMI Superior Court in Susupe yesterday for their bail hearing.
A cash bail of $100,000 each was placed on Nick Cena Patulot and Minyan Jiang aka “Sister” yesterday before the two were placed back into the custody of the Department of Corrections. During their bail hearing the two were scheduled to appear again before the court for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 27 and an arraignment on Dec. 2, 2024.
According to court documents, Patulot, a Filipino resident of Saipan, was arrested following a detailed investigation conducted by the CNMI Drug Enforcement Task Force. Patulot is accused of trafficking methamphetamine, commonly referred to as “ice,” in violation of CNMI laws.
Authorities initiated their investigation after a cooperating defendant provided information about Patulot’s alleged drug distribution activities. The investigation involved two controlled “buy-walk” operations on the same day, both meticulously monitored and documented by law enforcement.
During the first controlled buy operation, the CD purchased $150 worth of methamphetamine from Patulot in Chalan Kanoa. Under surveillance, the CD met with Patulot, who exchanged a small bag containing a crystalline substance for the money. The substance was later tested and confirmed to be methamphetamine, weighing approximately 1.3 grams.
Later that afternoon, the DETF conducted a second operation where the CD purchased $560 worth of methamphetamine from Patulot near Downtown Market in Oleai. Similar procedures were followed, including surveillance, use of recording devices, and secure handling of evidence. This transaction resulted in the acquisition of 4.2 grams of methamphetamine.
Both transactions were recorded, and the substances were tested using a TruNarc analyzer, confirming their identity as methamphetamine. Following these operations, authorities gathered sufficient evidence to support charges of trafficking and possession of controlled substances against Patulot.
Patulot faces charges under Title 6 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code, including trafficking and possession of controlled substances.
Jiang, also known as “Sister,” a Chinese national residing on Saipan, is facing allegations of drug trafficking and possession of methamphetamine, commonly referred to as “Ice.” The arrest follows a series of undercover operations also conducted by the CNMI DETF.
The investigation began on June 18, 2024, when a confidential informant identified “Sister” as a key supplier of methamphetamine on the island. Authorities subsequently obtained a judicial warrant to monitor her activities.
Between June 25 and June 28, DETF officers conducted three separate “buy-walk” operations with the assistance of the confidential informant:
As the report states on June 25 Jiang allegedly sold $100 worth of methamphetamine to the CS at a prearranged meeting spot in Chalan Laulau. Surveillance captured Jiang weighing the substance using a scale and transferring it into a baggie for the exchange. The crystalline substance tested positive for methamphetamine, weighing approximately 0.77 grams.
On June 26 Jiang, reportedly aided by an associate identified as “Glare Mabel,” sold $40 worth of methamphetamine to the CS in Garapan. This exchange involved Jiang concealing the drug in a folded five-dollar bill. The substance was confirmed to be methamphetamine, weighing 0.54 grams.
June 28 saw Jiang conducting another transaction for $40 in Garapan, delivering the methamphetamine directly to the CS. The substance, weighing 0.57 grams, tested positive for methamphetamine.
Each operation was monitored through surveillance and audio/video recordings. Law enforcement verified Jiang’s involvement through photographic evidence and positive identification by the CS. The confiscated substances were analyzed and documented as evidence under strict chain-of-custody protocols.
Jiang also faces charges under Title 6 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code, including trafficking and possession of a controlled substance. Authorities believe Jiang is a primary supplier of methamphetamine on the island.
