Seven arrested in crystal meth drug raids on O'ahu
By James Gonser
Advertiser Staff Writer
A task force of police and federal law enforcement agencies this week took more than seven pounds of crystal methamphetamine, or "ice," off the streets and arrested seven people.
Cory Lum • The Honolulu Advertiser
Thomas Kelly, an assistant special agent with the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, said more than $76,000 in cash, three handguns and eight cars worth about $143,000 were also seized during raids at homes and businesses on O'ahu.
Thomas Kelly, Drug Enforcement Administration assistant special agent in charge, and Honolulu police Capt. Kevin Lima answer questions about the drug raids.
Kelly described 33-year-old Falaniko F. Uti of Kapolei as the local ring leader of the drug operation.
Others arrested during raids on April 22 and 23 were: Joseph A. Pajaro, 35, of Pearl City; Vanessa A. Barut, 32, of Waipahu; Osovale W. Atapuai, 28, of Wahiawa; Joe Sappa Jr., 37, of Kapolei; and California residents Alfredo Sepulveda, 28, of Gardena and Fernando Gutierrez, 26, of Carson.
Kelly said the two California men acted as couriers, bringing the drugs into the state, and the others were local distributors.
Kelly said the arrests were the result of an investigation that began in 1997, targeting crystal methamphetamine suppliers.
About 50 law enforcement officers were involved with the operation.
"This is a very significant seizure here in Hawai'i and would be major on the Mainland," Kelly said. "This was one of the main (illegal drug) operations on O'ahu."
The suspects are all are being retained until an indictment is filed, but no court date has been set.
Honolulu police Capt. Kevin Lima said the arrests will make a significant dent in illegal drugs available on O'ahu.
The drugs seized have a value of between $300,000 and $350,000 and were of very high quality, Kelly said. The investigation is continuing and he expects several more arrests.
