Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Hawai‘i, has adopted the prosecution of 48 year-old Eustakio Estrada-Castillo of Tacoma, Washington, who was arrested on November 29, 2021 at the Kona International Airport by Hawai‘i Police Department Area II Vice officers in relation to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin charges on Hawai‘i Island.

The extensive multi-agency Hawai‘i County and federal law enforcement investigation resulted in the recovery of over 8,000 fentanyl pills, nearly 2.5 pounds of fentanyl powder, and approximately 5 pounds of methamphetamine on Hawai‘i Island.

As the four count Federal Indictment alleges, Estrada-Castillo was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Heroin (conspire to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and a detectable amount of heroin), two counts of Distribution of Fentanyl (distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl), and Distribution of Methamphetamine (distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine). The offenses are alleged to have taken place between August and November of 2021.

On December 23, 2021, U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Kenneth J. Mansfeld ordered that Estrada-Castillo be detained without bail pending his jury trial, which is now scheduled for August 29, 2022.

The investigation was a collaboration between local and federal agencies including the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area II Vice Section and Special Enforcement Unit, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Services, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Hawai‘i County Prosecutor’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Hawai‘i. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Muehleck.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information concerning illegal narcotics distribution should call the Hawai‘i Police Department Vice Section in East Hawai‘i at (808) 961-2258 or in West Hawai‘i at (808) 326-4646 Ext. 226, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

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