Senator Therese M. Terlaje is pushing new legislation aimed at cracking down on cargo seal tampering—one of the key vulnerabilities that could allow illegal drugs into Guam.
Bill 270-38 would:
• Increase fines from $25,000 to $100,000 (or cargo value, whichever is higher)
• Impose tougher penalties for repeat violations, including possible business license revocation
• Require written justification when penalties are waived for transparency
The Customs and Quarantine Agency says the update is overdue, noting Guam’s current laws haven’t been significantly revised in over 30 years.
In 2025 alone:
• 30 broken cargo seals recorded
• 91 total seal discrepancies
Terlaje says these gaps can create opportunities for drugs to enter before inspection—something she calls unacceptable amid Guam’s ongoing meth crisis.
“Guam is in a meth crisis, and we cannot afford weak points in our inspection process,” she said.
Additional legislation is also in the works to require stronger, ISO-certified bolt seals and potentially make cargo seal tampering a felony.