$1.2 Million Grant Toughens GPD’s Anti-Meth Efforts

Hagåtña, Guam - Local law enforcement will be more effective at getting meth off the streets through a new grant for the Guam Police Department, which secured the federal funds with support from the Guam State Clearinghouse.

The $1,243,882 award funds a three-year anti-methamphetamine program for GPD. This investment will expand the capabilities of the department's Special Operations Division (SOD) and Special Investigations Section (SIS), two key groups charged with combating methamphetamine trafficking and leading local drug enforcement operations across the island.

Funding will be used to purchase unmarked, specialized law enforcement vehicles for SOD, SIS, and K9 units, along with tactical equipment, K9 supplies, and both off- and on-island instructor-level training. These opportunities will build internal capacity, reduce reliance on federal tactical teams, and support a more sustainable local workforce. The resources will also reinforce coordination with the Multi-Agency Unified Law Enforcement Group (MAULEG) to enhance the detection and disruption of narcotic and illicit drug activity, while bolstering partnerships with regional and federal law enforcement agencies.

Because MAULEG was not specifically funded in its legislative enactment or this fiscal year's budget, which was overridden into law by senators, the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration sought federal investment into the well-intentioned mandates passed by local lawmakers, leading to GPD applying for the grant.

"Meth is a scourge on our island. Too many families have been torn apart, and too many predators sell this poison - at the cost of lives and livelihoods," 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. Our administration will continue to invest in prevention, treatment, and enforcement to build a healthier, stronger Guam."

"The Guam Police Department is very pleased to receive this grant funding to procure vehicles, equipment, and training, which are all critical public safety resources," said Stephen C. Ignacio, Chief of Police, Guam Police Department. "We need to support law enforcement efforts consistently to battle the manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine. Every concerted effort needs to be made to significantly reduce the availability of illegal drugs in our island community."

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