Jesus K. Paulino, Jr., a former Guam Customs and Quarantine Officer from Dededo, was sentenced on April 6 to serve 235 months in federal prison following his conviction for attempted possession with intent to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine. United States Attorney Shawn N. Anderson announced the sentence, which also includes five years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment fee.
Paulino's sentencing comes after a jury found him guilty on December 10, 2025, in the District Court of Guam. The case involved the interception of approximately 14,533 net grams (about 32 pounds) of methamphetamine concealed inside a U.S. priority mail package addressed to another individual at Mailhub in Tamuning. Authorities replaced the drugs with sham material and fitted the package with a tracking device as part of an ongoing investigation.
According to prosecutors, law enforcement observed Paulino handling the package at Mailhub on February 26, placing it into his vehicle before driving around Tamuning and Tumon and eventually returning home. The next day officers discovered that the package had been opened at his residence; subsequent searches led to seizures including electronic scales and devices as well as residue testing positive for MDMA.
Paulino previously served as a customs officer but was convicted during that time for conspiracy related to smuggling untaxed cigarettes from the Philippines.
"Our aggressive mail-stream interdiction efforts removed this drug dealer from Guam for decades," said United States Attorney Anderson. "The lengthy sentence was warranted by the weight of drugs shipped and Paulino’s troubling history. This case is another example of the many successes of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative that keeps our communities safe." Stephen Sherwood, Postal Inspector in Charge of San Francisco Division added: "Postal inspectors will not relent when drug traffickers attempt to mail controlled substances that harm our communities and endanger postal workers... I extend my sincere appreciation...for their dedication and collaboration." Lucia Cabral-DeArmas from Homeland Security Investigations stated: "This case highlights how HSI works every day to keep our community safe from criminal organizations...HSI is committed to finding and stopping criminal networks that put Guam and the United States at risk." ATF Special Agent Jonathan Blais said: "The defendant attempted to exploit the U.S. mail system...ATF will hold these traffickers accountable." DEA Special Agent Anthony Chrysanthis concluded: "Drug peddlers, regardless of occupation or status, will be pursued and held accountable for the devastation they cause...DEA is in lockstep with our HSTF partners."
The investigation involved multiple agencies including USPIS, HSI, DEA, ATF, CGIS, local police units as well as federal prosecutors led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rosetta L. San Nicolas.
