Posted on: Thursday, December 4, 2003

Crystal meth ringleader given 30 years

Advertiser Staff

A 38-year-old Honolulu man was sentenced to 30 years in prison yesterday for his role in operating an extensive crystal methamphetamine distribution ring.

Herman G. Lemusu was identified by federal prosecutors as the man who ran a ring of ice dealers operating between Los Angeles, Honolulu, and American Samoa. Lemusu's cousin, Alofaga Lemusu, 38, was sentenced two months ago for his involvement in his cousin's organization.

The evidence introduced during their trial showed that Herman Lemusu was responsible for distributing hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine in Hawai'i over a seven-year period. U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo said Lemusu brought large amounts of methamphetamine into Hawai'i using couriers.

Kubo said that once Lemusu smuggled the drugs into the islands, he converted the methamphetamine to crystal methamphetamine prior to distribution. His cousin Alofaga was in charge of conversion and distribution to dealers on the street. Alofaga converted the raw methamphetamine with the aid of a number of conversion laboratories, the most notable of which was at the Sunset Villas apartment complex in Waipahu, federal prosecutors said.

Both Herman and Alofaga Lemusu also were convicted of money laundering for their role in sending more than $500,000 in drug proceeds, via Western Union, from Hawai'i to California. Alofaga Lemusu also was convicted of firearm charges.

Kubo pointed out there is no parole in the federal system, and that both Lemusus will serve most of their sentences in federal custody.