Ex -Palauan Drug Enforcer Faces Tampering And Using Drug Evidence Charges

Special Prosecutor Steven Kilelea charged police officer Kamesak Demek, a former member of the Belau Drug Enforcement Task Force, with possession of methamphetamine, or “ice,” tampering with evidence, government obstruction, and misconduct in public office, according to a press statement from his office and court filings. The matter is Criminal Case. No. 16-105.

Bureau of Public Safety main office. Photo by Ongerung Kambes Kesolei

The Palau Supreme Court set $20,000 bail against Demek during arraignment on August 12. The defendant will return to court on September 16, 2016.

If convicted, Demek, the former drug enforcer, could face 10 years in prison for misconduct in public office, fines of up to $25,000, and three years’ imprisonment for possession of methamphetamine. He could also face further jail time and fines for tampering with evidence and government obstruction.

Dolyn Tell, an investigator with the OSP, alleged through a probable cause affidavit that the office received information alleging the defendant tampered with drugs and other evidence seized by the task force during one of their operations.

According to the OSP, Demek replaced methamphetamines that were evidence in an investigation with fake drugs. The OSP further stated that Demek, who was undergoing training to retrieve evidence from the Guam Drug Lab, tampered with sealed bags containing drugs which were in transit from Guam for testing.

The affidavit also stated that after other drug enforcers suspected Demek of tampering with and using drugs, the Task Force ordered drug testing for all officers. Demek tested positive for methamphetamine as result of such tests.

Demek admitted to using drugs in several occasions, according to the affidavit. He was relieved of his badge and taken off the task force, July 28.