Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Thursday, April 25, 2024 76° Today's Paper


Top News

Hilo woman arrested for alleged role in Mexico meth ring held without bail

A federal magistrate judge ordered a Hilo woman arrested and charged with allegedly shipping methamphetamine and fentanyl from Mexico through California to sell in Hawaii held without bail before her trial.

Mikki M. Matsuyama, 29, will be held at the Federal Detention Center, Honolulu, after U.S. Magistrate Judge Wes Reber Porter granted the government’s motion that she be held without bail.

Matsuyama turned herself in Friday and is charged with 33-year-old Elias Peace, also of Hilo, who was arrested Friday, with one count each of conspiracy to distribute and posses with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Peace’s detention hearing is scheduled for Aug. 22 at 9:30 a.m. in Reber Porter’s court. He remains in federal custody.

Matsuyama allegedly committed the drug offenses while she was already “on probation or parole,” according to court documents.

Matsuyama allegedly told officers that she accepted at least four shipments of methamphetamine and fentanyl weighing a total of five pounds and her supplier is a Mexican male named “Jay” who instructed her to pay for the drugs by wiring money in increments of $1,000 or $2,000 to him in Mexico, according to court documents.

Matsuyama allegedly told Peace that the box should have a “couple of pounds of methamphetamine and 1,000 pills of fentanyl.”

The investigation that led to Matsusyama and Peace’s arrest was a joint effort between the Hawaii Police Department’s Area I Vice Section, Hawaii County Prosecutors, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, according to a news release from Hawaii prosecutors.

“Our Office will continue to promote and encourage coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to hold drug dealers accountable and prioritize the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the distribution and trafficking of serious drugs, like methamphetamine and fentanyl, on our island,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden B.A. Waltjen, in a statement.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.