Posted on: Thursday, October 30, 2003

Big Island police break up ice ring

Advertiser Staff

HILO, Hawai'i — Big Island police and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration said they dismantled a large crystal methamphetamine smuggling operation on the Big Island with a series of arrests over three days.

Police said the smuggling organization was responsible for importing more than 20 pounds of ice a month into the Big Island from California.

After a three-month investigation, DEA agents, county vice officers and Ice Task Force members on Saturday arrested Jose Prieto, 34, and seized more than 12 ounces of ice with a street value of more than $25,000, police said.

Search warrants were executed Sunday at a business called Tacos El Unico in Kona and at two homes. Arrested were Jose Mejia, 56, the alleged leader of the smuggling organization, and Eric Mejia, 24.

All three men were taken to Honolulu, where they made an initial appearance in federal court Monday. They are facing sentences of 10 years to life in prison if convicted.

A fourth man was arrested Monday in Hilo in the same case, and authorities are still seeking other suspects.

So far, police have seized several vehicles, firearms and more than $35,000 in connection with the investigation.