Mongmong-Toto-Maite, GU – A coordinated drug and weapons raid at the Plumeria Estates Apartments led to the arrest of seven suspects Thursday, following an operation conducted by the Guam Police Department’s Drug Task Force, according to court documents filed in Superior Court. Officers seized methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, firearms, paraphernalia, and cash, uncovering what authorities described as a multi-unit drug and weapons network operating within the complex.
The Incident: Coordinated Drug and Weapons Operation
The Drug Task Force executed multiple search warrants at Plumeria Estates on Thursday, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals and the recovery of illegal drugs, firearms, and stolen property.
According to a magistrate’s complaint, officers discovered methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, several loaded firearms, and digital scales, among other evidence. The seized weapons and substances are now central to an ongoing investigation.
Authorities stated that the operation targeted suspected users and small-scale distributors working within the apartment complex, noting that the bust was part of a broader initiative to disrupt meth trafficking networks in the Maite area.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Among the most significant discoveries was a Sig Sauer P320 9mm handgun, found loaded and chambered with 15 rounds, in possession of Noah Terence John Cepeda, 26. The weapon was later confirmed stolen, and Cepeda was charged with:
- Possession of a firearm without a firearms identification card (third-degree felony)
- Possession of an unregistered firearm (third-degree felony)
- Possession of a concealed firearm (third-degree felony)
Investigators also uncovered drug paraphernalia, pipes, and residue-filled baggies, along with cash totaling $60. Digital devices, including Samsung phones, were seized for forensic review.
Suspects and Charges Filed
Police identified the seven arrested suspects and detailed the charges as follows:
- Noah Terence John Cepeda (26) – Charged with multiple firearm felonies after being found with a stolen loaded weapon.
- Tricia Michelle Matagolai (42) – Admitted to owning a green-tinted glass meth pipe and using meth at Merizo Pier on November 5. Charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (third-degree felony).
- Gregory Lathaniel Reese (45) – Found in the same unit (Apartment D103). Admitted to meth use but denied dealing. Claimed he times drug use to avoid probation screening detection. Charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance. Reese was previously linked to the January 2023 death of Jason Susuico but was released from prison in December 2023.
- Sergio Shane Flores Cruz (38) – Located in Apartment C102, admitted to occasional meth use and small-scale sales to friends. Charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (third-degree felony).
- Felicia Topasna Quinata (39) – Arrested after a follow-up operation. Found with a meth pipe wrapped in a napkin that tested positive for meth. Charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance linked to a previous April 17 investigation in Yigo.
- Kenneth Michael Reyes (60) – Found in Apartment D103, charged with possession of a Schedule I controlled substance (third-degree felony).
- Peachy May Pagan Pineda (33) – Detained in Apartment C102 with meth, suspected fentanyl pills, and paraphernalia. Claimed drugs belonged to another suspect. Charged with possession of a controlled substance.
Statements and Law Enforcement Response
Officials with the Guam Police Department (GPD) described the operation as a success in targeting narcotics distribution at residential complexes. Officers said the bust reflected a continuing effort to reduce meth and fentanyl trafficking on the island.
“These arrests show our ongoing commitment to remove illegal weapons, methamphetamine, and fentanyl from our neighborhoods,” a GPD spokesperson said. “Coordinated teamwork across law enforcement made this possible.”
Authorities emphasized that fentanyl presence remains a growing concern, given its link to overdose cases and drug-related deaths in Guam over recent years.
Background and Broader Context
This bust marks the latest in a string of drug enforcement operations aimed at dismantling small but connected networks of dealers operating out of residential complexes. Law enforcement officials note that methamphetamine remains the most commonly abused illicit drug on the island, often tied to thefts, violence, and probation violations.
Officials also highlighted that community tips play a critical role in investigations, urging residents to report suspicious activity related to drug use or weapons possession.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
All seven suspects were booked and confined at the Department of Corrections, with hearings pending in Superior Court. The Drug Task Force confirmed that additional arrests are possible as forensic analysis of seized phones and cash proceeds.
Prosecutors said they plan to pursue enhanced penalties for repeat offenders and individuals found in possession of stolen firearms or trafficking quantities of narcotics.
Conclusion
The Maite drug and weapons bust highlights the collaborative efforts of Guam’s law enforcement to target high-risk drug activity and remove illegal weapons from the community. As the investigation continues, authorities say the arrests send a clear message that narcotics enforcement remains a top priority for the island.
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