Camacho Gets 5+ Years for Guam Ice Run

HAGÅTÑA, GUAM – Miguel Camacho, 42, of Tumon, will spend over five years in federal prison after being sentenced to 63 months for his role in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking operation targeting Guam. The sentence, handed down May 9, 2017, in District Court, also includes three years of supervised release and 100 hours of community service. The feds didn’t mess around; Camacho also owes a mandatory $100 assessment fee, and will likely be cut off from federal benefits, a standard penalty for convicted drug felons.

The case, spearheaded by Acting United States Attorney Shawn N. Anderson, revealed a sophisticated scheme to import high-purity methamphetamine from the Philippines using FedEx as a conduit. Camacho pleaded guilty on September 28, 2015, waiving indictment and admitting to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine – a violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a) and (b)(1)(C). He wasn’t fighting it. The investigation showed Camacho wasn’t working alone, but the full scope of the organization remains unclear.

Law enforcement hit paydirt when they seized over 964 grams of the drug, boasting a purity level of 97.1 percent. That’s a significant haul for a relatively small island, and a clear indication of the demand fueling this type of criminal activity. The street value of that much ice would be astronomical, likely exceeding six figures. The feds didn’t release that info, but the numbers speak for themselves.

The bust was a multi-agency effort, bringing together the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Guam Police Department. It’s rare to see that level of cooperation, suggesting the feds were determined to send a message. This wasn’t some small-time operation; it required coordinated action to dismantle.

Assistant United States Attorney Clyde Lemons, Jr. skillfully prosecuted the case, building a solid case based on evidence gathered during the investigation. Lemons has a reputation for being a bulldog in the courtroom, and Camacho likely knew he was facing an uphill battle. The sentencing serves as a warning to others contemplating similar criminal enterprises on Guam: the feds are watching, and they’re ready to act.

Beyond the prison sentence, Camacho’s conviction carries long-term consequences. Loss of federal benefits, combined with a criminal record, will severely limit his opportunities upon release. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments, including potential investigations into Camacho’s co-conspirators. This operation highlights the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking in the Pacific region, and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to stem the flow of illegal narcotics.

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