Jesse Fegurgur Belen, a 46-year-old resident of Dededo, Guam, has been sentenced to 105 months in federal prison. The sentence follows his guilty plea to attempted possession with intent to distribute fifty or more grams of methamphetamine, violating 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). In addition to the prison term, Belen faces five years of supervised release, must complete 50 hours of community service, and pay a $100 special assessment fee. The court also ordered the forfeiture of $1,636 in U.S. currency. Convictions for federal drug offenses may disqualify individuals from certain federal benefits.
In November 2022, Belen attempted to possess a postal package containing one pound of methamphetamine with a purity of 98%. The drugs were sent from Colton, California, and addressed to the Yigo Post Office in Guam. Belen and co-defendant Lorina Fejeran retrieved the package and drove to Wusstig Road in Dededo. When law enforcement intercepted their vehicle at a commercial building, Belen fled on foot after grabbing the methamphetamine. He discarded the drugs into a nearby yard before being found hiding by law enforcement.
United States Attorney Shawn N. Anderson stated: “We will continue to interdict drugs trafficked through our mail system in an effort to keep Guam safe.” He added that Belen's significant criminal history made him a suitable target for federal prosecution.
Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas emphasized the importance of preventing deadly drugs from entering communities: "By leveraging our partnerships with law enforcement, we can hold individuals accountable for their actions." She noted that Belen's arrest demonstrates their commitment to community safety.
Inspector in Charge Stephen Sherwood from the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) San Francisco Division remarked on maintaining trust in the US Mail: “We will aggressively pursue anyone who uses the US Mail to transport and distribute deadly drugs which impact the safety of our postal employees and customers.” He expressed gratitude towards federal and local law enforcement partners like Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and Guam Police Department for their collaborative efforts.
The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations with support from U.S. Postal Inspection Services. Assistant United States Attorney Rosetta L. San Nicolas prosecuted the case in the District of Guam.