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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 12:47 p.m., Thursday, May 10, 2007

Maui couple arraigned on meth charges

Advertiser Staff

WAILUKU, Maui — A Maui couple were arraigned yesterday in 2nd Circuit Court on criminal conspiracy and first-degree methamphetamine trafficking charges.

Patrick and Ohia Aniban were first arrested after police raided their Pu'unene Avenue home in Kahului on Jan. 19, seizing 18.5 pounds of cocaine and 6 pounds of crystal methamphetamine worth an estimated $1.5 million.

Officers also recovered $114,000 in cash.

Police said it was the largest drug bust in Maui history.

During a Jan. 24 preliminary hearing, a judge ruled prosecutors did not present enough evidence linking Ohia Aniban, 33, to the alleged drug ring, and the charges against her were dismissed. Her 43-year-old husband was released after posting $250,000 bail.

Deputy Prosecutor Robert Rivera said investigators have since gathered additional evidence against the woman, who was indicted on seven drug-related counts. A superceding indictment was brought against her husband, who is facing 10 charges. The couple were arrested Tuesday, with bail for Ohia Aniban set at $1 million and $875,000 added to Patrick Aniban's bail.

The trafficking charges carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $20 million fine.