Federal Prosecutors Seek 50-Year-Old Man's Bail in Methamphetamine Smuggling Case

Strategic Insights -

Federal prosecutors are pursuing a 50-year-old Maui man, Frank William Keliihanui Kane Jr., for allegedly smuggling large quantities of methamphetamine between Oahu and Maui using Mokulele Airlines. The investigation, which has been ongoing since March, involved agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Maui Police Department. Kane was charged with multiple offenses, including possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Key Takeaways:

  • Frank William Keliihanui Kane Jr., a 50-year-old man from Lahaina, is accused of smuggling pounds of methamphetamine between Oahu and Maui using Mokulele Airlines.
  • Kane was charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
  • Kane has a history of convictions for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and was previously ordered not to drive and to wear an alcohol-monitoring device.
  • Multiple sources of information provided intelligence to investigators, indicating that Kane smuggled pound quantities of crystal methamphetamine using Mokulele flights.
  • Law enforcement tracked Kane's movements using GPS technology and observed a exchange of substances at a park in Kahului, leading to the discovery of over a pound of methamphetamine, cocaine, and a digital scale.
  • Kane has 33 prior convictions in state court, including five misdemeanor convictions for cruelty to animals, and was sentenced to over one year of imprisonment in the past.

Statistics:

  • Over 1 pound of methamphetamine was seized from Kane's vehicle.
  • 171.78 grams of cocaine were also discovered.
  • Two ghost guns and ammunition were found in the vehicle.
  • A digital scale was used for executing the narcotics transactions.
  • Kane has 33 prior convictions in state court.
  • He has five misdemeanor convictions for cruelty to animals.

Sources:

  • The Honolulu Star-Advertiser
  • The Maui News