Guam sees another major blow in the war on drugs as Andrew P. Manibusan, a 38-year-old from Antioch, California, and James Bernard Ada Mafnas, a 51-year-old from Barrigada, Guam, were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.
Manibusan and Mafnas were found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute Fifty or More Grams of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A)(viii). Manibusan received 168 months (14 years) in prison, while Mafnas was sentenced to 121 months (10 years)
The Court also ordered each defendant to serve five years of supervised release following imprisonment and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Additionally, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits.
The methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy involved the distribution of over 50 grams of the substance from Antioch, California to Guam between April and June 2021. Manibusan received $51,000 from co-conspirators J.A. and James Ada Mafnas before mailing 3,617 grams of methamphetamine to Guam. The package was later intercepted by law enforcement, who also recovered $143,000.00 from the co-conspirators’ residence.
“This case involved a substantial quantity of drugs, in addition to money,” stated Shawn N. Anderson, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. “Law enforcement uncovered an organization that was deeply involved in drug trafficking. This is reflected in the number of conspirators and the geographical span of their unlawful activity. Our office looks forward to future enforcement operations as we continue to combat drug crime.”
The joint investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, and with the assistance of the Guam Police Department and Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency. The case was prosecuted by Rosetta L. San Nicolas, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Guam.
The sentencing of Manibusan and Mafnas serves as a reminder of the dangers of drug trafficking and the importance of continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies to combat this threat.
Key Facts
- State: Guam
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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