HONOLULU – A grim discovery on the Big Island of Hawaii has led to a major federal drug and weapons investigation. Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced today that Shannan Hostetler, 54, of Pahoa, was arrested and charged with serious crimes including possession of methamphetamine, cocaine, firearms, and explosives.
This year, the Hawaii Police Department received a chilling tip: Hostetler’s property in Pahoa was being used as a hideout for a known narcotics trafficker. The suspect reportedly arranged to stash illegal items on the premises, including firearms, money, and drugs. On June 24, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations launched a massive operation to execute a search warrant.
The resulting seizure sent shockwaves through law enforcement. Authorities found a Glock 43 handgun, several shotguns, a bolt-action rifle, substantial amounts of cocaine, oil and crystalized methamphetamine, and evidence that suggested the presence of an active methamphetamine-conversion lab at Hostetler’s property. The search also involved the FBI bomb-squad, who safely removed and seized suspected explosive devices.
Hostetler now faces a potential life sentence if convicted on all charges. The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Slack will be prosecuting this case.
Law enforcement concluded its search of Hostetler’s properties less than 24 hours before an interested third party came forward with a disturbing discovery. They turned over twenty additional firearms to investigators, including five AR-15 style assault rifles and various other types of firearms. Some were even loaded with extended magazines.
This case is being investigated by multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, ATF, and the Hawaii Police Department, with support from the Maui and Kauai Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Slack will be leading the prosecution.
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Key Facts
- State: Hawaii
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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