The FBI has broken up a "significant" drug ring that imported crystal methamphetamine to Oahu and Maui from San Francisco. FBI breaks up
‘ice’ drug ringAgents seize cash, guns
By Rod Antone
and vehicles in addition
to 3.5 pounds of 'ice'
Star-BulletinA series of early morning raids last week resulted in the arrests of 11 people.
During the raids, agents seized drugs, money and weapons, including $40,000 in cash, 3.5 pounds of crystal meth or "ice," seven vehicles, several handguns and an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle.
Agents also recovered various amounts of marijuana and cocaine.
The combined street value of the "ice" and the marijuana was about $230,000, FBI spokesman John Gillies said yesterday.
The street value for the cocaine was not given.
The six-month investigation started last September.
Gillies said that based on evidence collected from undercover work and phone wiretaps, agents carried out 19 search warrants across Oahu and at one Maui location from March 23-25.
Charges listed in a 33-count indictment include conspiracy to distribute drugs and possession with intent to distribute.
Charged last week and yesterday were Daniel Kaheaku, 28, who Gillies said was a state deputy sheriff; Shawn Powell, 27; Charles Hew-Len, 28, and his wife, Destanie Hew-Len, 26; Desiree Higa, 23; Darryl Ogawa Jr., 24; Chico Martines, 25; Michael B. De Kneef, 32; and Daniel Pacyao, 26.
Two other men who were arrested during the raids were charged separately in the case. They are Donald Akiona, 33, and Preston Antonio, 35.
One defendant, Michael Becker, 28, was not arrested during the raids but was charged by federal prosecutors.
Gillies said that as of last night, Becker remained a fugitive.
Besides the FBI, law enforcement agencies involved included the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; the Internal Revenue Service; the internal affairs division of the state Department of Public Safety; the Honolulu Police Department; and the Maui Police Department.