The Guam Legislature has passed an amendment by Sen. Jesse Lujan to bolster Customs and Quarantine operations through modernization and enhanced K-9 unit support. The measure directs $1.45 million from lapsed Fiscal Year 2025 CRER funds, including $1.3 million for the agency’s Modernization/Automation Project and $150,000 for maintaining its drug-detection dogs.
Lujan, who chairs the committee overseeing Customs, said the initiative addresses critical revenue leakages and drug enforcement needs. He cited a 2018 audit by the Office of Public Accountability that found Guam collected just $136,000 in use taxes on $1.6 billion worth of air cargo, when more than $65 million should have been generated. At 0.2% Lujan said, “That is a headline no one should be proud of."
The senator emphasized that modernization will integrate Customs and Department of Revenue and Taxation systems to secure revenues while K-9 units continue frontline efforts against drug smuggling. “This funding ensures our dogs remain healthy, trained, and ready to protect our community,” he said, stressing the wider impact of drug trafficking on families and public safety.
Lujan also acknowledged the leadership of Sen. Tina Muña Barnes, who co-sponsored the amendment, and former Sen. Mary Camacho Torres, who championed modernization in prior terms. The measure is now part of the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget bill awaiting further legislative action.