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Feds indict 10 in drug case on Guam

Ten people face charges in what the U.S. Attorney's Office calls one of the largest organized crime and narcotic trafficking cases on Guam in recent years.Guam's U.S. Attorney Alicia Limtiaco announced yesterday that the apparent leader of the alleged drug ring, Mateo B. Sardoma Jr., and nine others were indicted on 26 charges to include conspiracy to distribute about 300 grams of methamphetamine, multiple counts of firearm possession and criminal enterprise.All suspects were detained except Elizabeth Aguon, who was to self-surrender yesterday.The indictment alleges that the organization brought methamphetamine to Guam from the Philippines and California. The drug allegedly was traded for firearms, stolen items and cash. The indictment also alleges that nearly $100,000 was mailed to California to purchase methamphetamine, or ice.The group allegedly used force, harassment and firearms to maintain control of the ice trade, according to District Court of Guam documents. One incident involved the alleged kidnapping and torturing of a man in October. It also alleges the purchase of expensive surveillance equipment so that the group's homes could be monitored for police and others.Among the 21 counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, 18 of those were against Rudy Sablan. He allegedly had a number of firearms in his possession, including pistols, revolvers and automatic rifles, court documents state.