Four men busted in
drug sting that yields ‘ice,’
guns and cash

By Harold Morse
Star-Bulletin

Federal drug agents have arrested four men and recovered 4 pounds of crystal methamphetamine worth $60,000, 16 handguns, $10,000 in cash and a crystal meth conversion lab.

Sydney Hayakawa, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration assistant special agent in charge, yesterday said 2 pounds of the "ice" were seized in an undercover sting Thursday and the other 2 pounds, cash, the conversion lab and most of the firearms turned up with execution of a search warrant at a Kapolei residence owned by one of the suspects.

The negotiated drug price in the sting was $15,000 a pound, Hayakawa said.

Two of the men, Robert Aquino, 34, and his brother, Gary Aquino, 28, had loaded weapons, Hayakawa said. The older brother had a .22-caliber pistol, and the younger one a .38-caliber pistol, he said. Also arrested were Daniel Sugui, 32, and Edwin Cadiente, 25.

Sugui had a loaded .38-caliber pistol in his car, Hayakawa said. The other 13 handguns were seized in the search warrant check at 91-214 Peleiake Place in Kapolei, owned by Robert Aquino.

When the warrant was executed, three children were found in the home: a boy, 13, and girls 7 and 12, Hayakawa said.

The $10,000 cash was in $100, $20 and $1 bills, he said.

An affidavit filed by the undercover agent traced the negotiations, which included the undercover agent meeting Cadiente in a Waikele parking lot. Once there, Robert Aquino was called, and he told the agent to drive to a Pearl City residence where the agent and Cadiente met with the Aquino brothers. Once there, Robert Aquino directed them to follow him to another restaurant at Pearlridge Center.

Once inside, Robert Aquino showed the undercover agent 2 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, the affidavit says.

"Daniel Sugui drove up and parked his vehicle so that he had a clear view of the others through the windows of the restaurant," it adds.

After some discussion, the agent left, claiming he had to get money for the purchase. A signal was given and all four suspects were arrested.