Addiction in San Jose, Tinian
San Jose is the largest village on the island of Tinian, which is one of the three principal islands of the U.S. commonwealth the Northern Mariana Islands. Like other cities in the US Pacific Islands, San Jose is located on the south-west coast of Tinian, close to the island’s main harbor and three beaches: Kammer Beach, Taga Beach, and Tachogña Beach. The central tans-Pacific location of San Jose provides easy access for drug smuggling for many Asian countries, specifically Taiwan and the Philippines.
San Jose: A Hub for Crystal Meth Trafficking
Illicit drugs are smuggled into the commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for both local and international distribution. Law enforcement officials report that illicit drugs, particularly crystal meth, are smuggled in from Asia to be distributed in the islands of Tinian, Saipan, Guam, Hawaii, and the mainland of the United States. Law enforcement authorities report that many wholesale and retail crystal meth distributors also abuse the drug. Drugs smuggled into the Northern Mariana Islands are often transported via the Philippines and Taiwan using couriers aboard commercial aircraft and in air cargo. Individuals also use package delivery services and maritime vessels that anchor on the coast of Tinian to smuggle small quantities of illicit drugs into the commonwealth for personal use.
San Jose authorities are concerned about the increase in violence linked to crystal meth on the island of Tinian. Drug distribution and abuse have caused an increase in the number of annual crimes including assault, domestic violence, burglary, robbery, and extortion. Officials believe that the rise in domestic violence cases can be attributed directly to the growing abuse of meth. Methamphetamine produces violent behavior in many consumers, especially when individuals are suffering from withdrawal symptoms. Many robberies in the CNMI also have been associated with the drug, as certain people will resort to stealing to fund their addiction.
Meth is a growing cause of concern for the village of San Jose, as the the Community Guidance Center on Saipan currently counsels more than about 58 percent of its caseload for crystal meth abuse.
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Getting Help Now
Although the Community Guidance Center and the HOPE Substance Abuse Center provides addiction resources for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, it may be a good option to travel for rehab. If you’re someone that is struggling with drug or alcohol misuse on the island of Tinian, know that you are not alone and that there are options out there. Contact a dedicated treatment provider today to find the path forward.
