Overview:
A female inmate already serving time for methamphetamine possession at the Koror Jail now faces additional felony charges after authorities allegedly found “ice” in her possession inside the facility. The case could trigger Palau’s newly strengthened penalties for repeat drug offenders.
Repeat offender could face decades in prison under Palau’s tougher drug laws
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau — A female inmate serving time at the Koror Jail for possession of methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice,” has been charged again after authorities allegedly found methamphetamine in her possession while incarcerated.
According to court documents filed by the Office of the Attorney General on May 21, 2026, the inmate faces two felony charges: possession of methamphetamine in jail and promoting prison contraband in the first degree.
Under Palau law, a conviction for possession of methamphetamine carries a maximum prison sentence of five years and a mandatory fine of at least $10,000.
However, under recently enacted legislation imposing tougher penalties on repeat drug offenders, a person convicted of possessing more than one gram of methamphetamine who has a prior conviction for the same offense faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years imprisonment. Fines under the stricter law range from $20,000 to $50,000.
The inmate, Milah Obeketang, is already serving a sentence related to possession of a controlled substance.
The second charge, promoting prison contraband in the first degree, is also a felony offense. If convicted, the inmate could face an additional prison term ranging from one to 10 years and an optional fine of up to $25,000.
Authorities have not released further details regarding how the alleged methamphetamine entered the correctional facility.
