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By Rolynda Jonathan
On June 20th, Palau Attorney General’s office filed a criminal case against a quarantine agent for alleged involvement in an illegal cigarette smuggling operation. Jeff Tewid faces thirteen counts of bribery and two counts of misconduct in public office for his alleged involvement. According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, Samuel Maui paid Tewid to overlook quarantine and inspection process for the purpose of illegally smuggling in cigarettes to the Republic. From 2009-2011, Tewid was paid to overlook the smuggling of illegal cigarettes contained in thirteen separate shipments. In addition, the Affidavit reports that in September 2012, Tewid reportedly demanded bribery from a Palasia Hotel representative to allow a container of frozen foods to improperly pass the quarantine and inspection process. In February this year, Maui pled guilty to several criminal charges including money laundering and smuggling in goods. Tewid is currently in police custody on a $75,000 surety bond pending trial.