Overview:
The Supreme Court of Palau has sentenced Burton Wenty to 25 years imprisonment and a $50,000 fine after a jury convicted him on two counts of methamphetamine possession — his second such conviction in seven years. Presiding Justice Kathleen Salii applied enhanced penalty provisions for repeat offenders in handing down the sentence on June 30.
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau – June 30, 2026 – The Supreme Court of the Republic of Palau has sentenced Burton Wenty to 25 years imprisonment and a 50,000‑dollar fine following his conviction on two counts of possession of more than one gram of methamphetamine. The sentence was imposed by Presiding Justice Kathleen Salii in Criminal Case No. 25‑103.
On May 11, 2026, a jury found Wenty guilty on two separate counts of possession of methamphetamine, each involving more than one gram of a controlled substance. Because this is his second conviction for the same offense, the Court applied the enhanced penalty provisions of 34 PNC § 3302(d), which require a minimum 25‑year term of imprisonment and a higher fine for subsequent offenders.
Wenty was previously convicted in 2019 for possession of more than one gram of methamphetamine and received a sentence of probation and a fine. In issuing the new sentence, the Court noted that in the approximately seven years since that conviction there is no indication that Wenty has sought or received treatment for drug addiction, even while his serious medical conditions have been regularly treated.
In the sentencing order, the Court emphasized that drug offenses remain among the most serious crimes in Palau and highlighted the national government’s ongoing efforts to combat the growing impact of methamphetamine through public campaigns, stronger bail and penalty laws, and more detailed sentencing guidelines. The Court also reiterated that imprisonment alone is not a complete solution to addiction and that addiction is a disease requiring consistent treatment, accountability, and support.
Wenty was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently, with credit for time already served. In addition, the Court ordered that he receive drug counseling while in custody, with treatment to be provided at the national government’s expense under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Behavioral Health, as required by 34 PNC § 3302(d)(3). The total fine imposed is 50,000 dollars.
The Court stated that the sentence is intended to reflect the seriousness of the offenses, promote respect for the law, protect the public, and ensure that the defendant receives structured treatment for addiction as mandated by Palau’s drug laws.
