A California man has been convicted of distributing methamphetamine in Hawaii. Alan L. Mapuatuli, age 44, was found guilty by a federal jury in United States District Court after a nine-day trial and less than one day of deliberation.
Mapuatuli was convicted of distribution of crystal methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He faces a mandatory term of life imprisonment without parole when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Derrick K. Watson.
According to information produced in court, Mapuatuli was convicted as a result of an undercover transaction between Mapuatuli and an informant involving a pound of methamphetamine. The transaction was monitored and recorded by federal agents. Based on information developed in the investigation, Mapuatuli was stopped as he drove away from the transaction.
When his vehicle was searched, agents found the cellphone he had used to communicate with the informant, a black Adidas backpack containing six ounces of crystal methamphetamine, $15,975.00 in U.S. currency, and a loaded, .45 caliber pistol, and a leather bag which contained an additional pound of crystal methamphetamine.
The prosecution was the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan M. F. Loo and Michael K. Kawahara.
Florence T. Nakakuni, United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii, stated that the conviction is a significant blow to drug trafficking in the state. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the distribution of methamphetamine and other illicit substances.
The conviction of Alan L. Mapuatuli serves as a warning to those involved in drug trafficking that they will be held accountable for their actions. The mandatory term of life imprisonment without parole that Mapuatuli faces is a testament to the severity of the crimes he committed.
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Key Facts
- State: Hawaii
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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