Posted on: Thursday, April 25, 2002

38 arrested in international drug ring

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

A 16-month investigation into an international crystal methamphetamine and cocaine ring that operated in Hawai'i led to the arrests of 38 people in Hawai'i and California on federal drug charges yesterday, the FBI said.

The arrests were announced by Daniel R. Dzwilewski, special agent in charge of the FBI's Honolulu office, and Maui Police Chief Thomas Phillips.

The investigation focused on large-scale importation and distribution of crystal methamphetamine and cocaine in Hawai'i, California, Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia, the FBI said.

Authorities said they arrested suppliers and primary distributors. Among those arrested, police said, were: Polotani Latu, Evona Latu, Kava Mone Toia and Leon Len Allen Jr. on Maui; Amako Malepeai, Silo Tagoai and Tasi Malepeai on O'ahu; David Espinal and Mark Tagoai in San Francisco; Michael Torres Jaimes in San Diego; and Jeral E. Smith in Los Angeles, the FBI said.

Prior to yesterday's operation, authorities seized $250,000, more than seven pounds of crystal methamphetamine and weapons, the FBI said. The investigation was headed by the FBI, with assistance from the Maui and Honolulu police departments, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, IRS, INS, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs Service, ATF, Coast Guard, Hawai'i Air National Guard, Chula Vista and Ontario police departments in California, and the Australian Federal Police.