Guam has 3 new customs officers after graduating training cycle

The Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency has three new customs officers following their graduation from the 14th Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency Training Cycle Wednesday at the Guam Museum.

The agency in a release said all three new officers earned the title of Customs and Quarantine Officer I after eight months of training.

“Expansion of our force continues to be a critical need to effectively defend the physical and economic security of our island,” said Customs and Quarantine Agency Director Ike Peredo in a release. “We continue to combat the importation of illegal drugs and the grave effects they have on our community. At the same time, our safeguarding of human health, legitimate commerce, and our bearing in national security, are of utmost importance. We applaud these new officers for taking on the great responsibilities ahead of them in executing this mission.”

The newly sworn officers fulfilled the requirements of the Guam Community College Criminal Justice Academy, the Guam Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, the Customs and Quarantine Physical Abilities Test, firearms qualifications, and understanding of local and federal customs laws, regulations, and standard operating procedures through CQA’s technical course and on-the-job training, the agency said. 

"They now bear their official rank and badge under oath to serve the people of Guam through the enforcement of various local and federal laws aimed at keeping unlawful items and individuals from entering our borders and ports of entry," Customs and Quarantine said in a release.

CQA’s last officer training cycle graduated in November 2023, increasing the number of sworn officers from 106 to 142. The graduation of this cycle brings the agency’s number of officers to just 141 due to a loss of officers through attrition, retirement, and death. 

“Our agency will forge ahead, committing our very best efforts within the operational means of the agency. We thank Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio for their resolute support, most especially Lt. Gov. Tenorio’s recommendation today that the number of customs officer trainees for the upcoming cycle be increased from 21 to 30,” said Peredo.

“We also extend much gratitude to Congressman James Moylan and the 37th Guam Legislature, who have taken significant action toward our growth, and Guam Department of Labor Director Dave Dell’Isola for including us in the Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program,” Peredo added.

A livestream of the ceremony is available for viewing on the CQA Facebook page.

CQA officers screen passengers, cargo, and conveyances at Guam’s borders and ports of entry to interdict illegal drugs, contraband, criminals, communicable diseases, and biosecurity threats in their facilitation of legitimate trade, commerce, and travel.