THE Governor’s Office has issued a statement on the Guam Police Department’s Operation Dragon program and its supposed suspension.
The matter was initially brought to the Variety’s attention by attorney Randy Cunliffe, who said in a previous interview that he met with the governor’s staff and was informed that Operation Dragon was suspended.
Cunliffe is currently representing Ralph Sgambelluri, owner of Ralphy’s, and another bar owner, both of whom had their respective clubs raided for allegedly selling alcohol to underage individuals.
The governor’s spokesman, Troy Torres, issued a statement yesterday denying that Governor’s Chief of Staff Frank Arriola has ordered the suspension of Operation Dragon.
“First, Operation Dragon is a police operation that involves much more than bar compliance with the drinking-age law. It also includes enforcement of littering and parking laws. It is a very good operation, which the administration supports, especially considering the sacrifices our men and women in blue are making,” Torres said.
He added that Arriola didn’t issue any order to suspend Operation Dragon “because he didn’t have to.”
“Based on complaints by some regarding the alleged improper enforcement of the law, the Governor’s Office is investigating certain practices and will make further decisions after carefully reviewing the facts,” Torres said.
“We reiterate that Operation Dragon, overall, is a very good program of the Guam Police Department. The police officers are driven to enforce the law with even fewer resources than they’ve ever had. We hope this clarifies all the rumors and conjecture surrounding these events,” Torres stressed.
Meanwhile, GPD spokesman Officer A.J. Balajadia stated the program “will continue as part of the Chief of Police initiatives, which enforce littering, loitering and public intoxication laws.”
“The enforcement of underage drinking laws have been spearheaded by the ABC board, with the Guam Police Department providing security,” Balajadia added.
