Leonard Gutierrez, Methamphetamine and Firearms Offenses, Hawaii 2026

HONOLULU – In a significant blow to the trans-Pacific drug trafficking network, Leonard Gutierrez, 65, of Whittier, California, was sentenced to 340 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and carfentanil, nine counts of distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Gutierrez pleaded guilty to these charges and has been detained since his initial arrest on April 9, 2024.

Senior United States District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi found that Gutierrez was one of the leaders of the organization, responsible for bringing more than 26 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of fentanyl, and over 4 kilograms of carfentanil into the Hawaiian Islands, using a variety of methods, and collecting thousands of dollars in illegal drug proceeds.

Carfentanil is a fentanyl analogue and is used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals. Carfentanil is approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which can be lethal at the 2-milligram range, depending on route of administration and other factors.

Gutierrez is one of eleven defendants charged in three separate indictments for crimes related to the operation of a trans-Pacific drug trafficking network, nine of whom have pled guilty with the remaining awaiting trial. The investigation yielded seizures of more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine, several kilograms of fentanyl and carfentanil, eight firearms, ammunition, and over $150,000 in cash.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui Police Departments, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret C. Nammar is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.

Related Federal Cases