The Guam Police Department has received more than $1.2 million in federal funding to bolster its fight against methamphetamine trafficking and distribution, officials announced Monday. The $1,243,882 grant, secured with support from the Guam State Clearinghouse, will fund a three-year anti-methamphetamine program aimed at expanding GPD’s enforcement capabilities and training.
According to the administration, the grant will strengthen the work of GPD’s Special Operations Division and Special Investigations Section, two units responsible for leading drug enforcement operations across the island. Funding will go toward the purchase of unmarked vehicles, tactical equipment, K9 supplies, and advanced instructor-level training, both locally and off-island. Officials said the investment will reduce reliance on federal tactical teams while helping to build a more sustainable local workforce.
The program will also enhance collaboration through the Multi-Agency Unified Law Enforcement Group, or MAULEG, to improve coordination and information sharing among local, regional, and federal partners. Because MAULEG did not receive funding in this year’s budget, the Leon Guerrero–Tenorio administration sought federal assistance to support the group’s drug enforcement mandates.
“Meth is a scourge on our island,” said Acting Governor Josh Tenorio. “With this grant, our officers on the frontlines of this fight can take decisive action, helped with the tools, training, and technology they need to keep our people safe.” Guam Police Chief Stephen C. Ignacio said the department was “very pleased” to receive the funds, adding that consistent support is critical to “significantly reduce the availability of illegal drugs in our island community.”