CNMI police check for meth fumes. Photo: Mark Rabago
In a sign indicative of the Northern Marianas' growing drug problem, four policemen were hospitalised on Thursday after reportedly inhaling methamphetamine fumes.
The police officers became dizzy after opening a black backpack hastily left in the tourism district of Saipan by an alleged offender they were chasing.
Upon inspecting the contents of the bag, the policemen were greeted with the nauseous smell of what later turned out to be chemicals used in making crystal methamphetamine or "ice."
Medics of the Department of Emergency Medical Services brought the four officers to the Commonwealth Health Center where they were treated and later released.
Police eventually arrested the suspect who threw the backpack during the foot chase.
The Department of Public Safety said they will charge 39-year-old in a federal court for attempting to manufacture a controlled substance.