LIHUE, Kauai (AP) — A California man could spend life in prison for bringing a large amount of methamphetamine to Hawaii.
LIHUE, Kauai (AP) — A California man could spend life in prison for bringing a large amount of methamphetamine to Hawaii.
In July, a federal jury found Roman Gabriel Contreras, 44, guilty of intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine.
He was arrested after arriving at Lihue Airport on March 24 on a flight from Los Angeles. He had nearly three pounds of crystal methamphetamine hidden in his baggage, according to Kauai police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Contreras, who has previously been convicted of promoting methamphetamine, has a mandatory sentence of 20 years in federal prison and could face up to life in prison.
His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21 with District Judge Derrick K. Watson.
Authorities say Contreras was arrested after an almost two-month investigation by the Kauai Police Department’s Vice Section. Police received help from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Muehleck.