A 36-year-old airline employee is in federal custody after being arrested in Kona on suspicion of meth trafficking.

Detectives from the Big Island police department's vice section and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Brandon Kawika Hinsey on Wednesday afternoon on suspicion of possessing more than a pound of crystal methamphetamine. The arrest was related to an investigation originating at Keahole International Airport involving domestic travel.

Authorities seized a .38-caliber revolver in a search of Hinsey's apartment and sport utility vehicle. Hinsey was taken yesterday to the federal detention center on O'ahu to face federal prosecution.

Two Guatemalan nationals, 30 and 32, also arrested Wednesday, were released yesterday without being charged.