3 ARRESTED IN METH BUST ON NAVAJO LAND

An 81-year-old Navajo medicine woman, or "hand trembler," was
arrested by tribal police Tuesday along with her daughter and
granddaughter on suspicion of dealing methamphetamine from their home
in an isolated reservation area northeast of Winslow.

[Name redacted] of Dilkon was taken into custody on a federal warrant
with [Name redacted], 63, and [Name redacted], 39, according to a
tribal news release.

Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. said he was stunned. "As
Navajos, we look up to our elders for all of their teachings. . . .
Who knows how many families these people may have harmed," he said.

Tribal spokesman George Hardeen said hand tremblers in the Navajo
religion are diviners who help people resolve medical or personal
problems by advising them on the correct spiritual ceremonies to perform.

Tribal police said the home in Dilkon has been under investigation
based on complaints . Meth was discovered when a search warrant was
served early this month. [Name redacted] acknowledged at the time
that she'd been dealing "crystal" for about a year, according to the release.

The women appeared Tuesday at initial hearings in the U.S. District
Court, Flagstaff, and were ordered jailed until a hearing Friday.