On January 13, 2025, Joselito Lumanlam Cura, aged 58, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison by the U.S. District Court of Guam. This follows a jury's conviction of Cura on three counts of distribution of methamphetamine hydrochloride and one count of possession with intent to distribute the same substance, as per 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). Alongside the prison sentence, Cura faces five years of supervised release and a $400 special assessment fee. The court also noted that individuals convicted of federal drug offenses might lose eligibility for certain federal benefits.
Cura's conviction stems from events between July 27 and September 7, 2021, when he delivered a total of 355 grams of methamphetamine during three controlled purchases orchestrated by a government informant. The methamphetamine had an average purity level of 97 percent and was valued between $44,375 and $62,125 on the street. A subsequent search warrant executed at Cura's residence on October 12, 2021, led to the discovery of $22,051 in cash, digital scales, a money counter, firearms, and other drug-related items.
"Drugs and firearms are a dangerous combination," said United States Attorney Shawn N. Anderson. "Armed drug dealers will always attract the attention [of] federal law enforcement. Combatting this activity remains a high priority for our office. I applaud the work of our federal and local partners in holding Cura accountable."
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Guam Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephen F. Leon Guerrero prosecuted the case in Guam.
