Trish Leila Henderson, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Hawaii 2026

Honolulu, Hawaii - In a significant blow to the local methamphetamine trade, a Kauai woman has been sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for her role in a trans-Pacific drug trafficking network.

Trish Leila Henderson, 46, pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi to 36 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to court records, Henderson was part of a conspiracy that was acquiring controlled substances through the U.S. mail and was engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine on Kauai. In total, Henderson was held responsible for over 22 pounds of methamphetamine.

This case is part of a larger investigation that yielded seizures of more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine, several kilograms of fentanyl and carfentanil, eight firearms, ammunition, and over $150,000 in cash. Henderson's coconspirators, including those charged in other indictments, have been sentenced to significant prison time.

On April 30, 2025, Shawn Pauahi Santana was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and to distributing methamphetamine.

On December 10, 2025, Faith Michelle Nelson was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

On December 16, 2025, Francis Anthony Abergas, Jr., was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm and ammunition after having been previously convicted of a felony.

The investigation into the trans-Pacific drug trafficking network was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Kauai, Maui, and Honolulu 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.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-hi/pr/kauai-woman-sentenced-36-months-drug-trafficking