LA bust incarcerates Hanapepe residents by Amanda C. Gregg – THE GARDEN ISLAND HANAPEPE — Hanapepe surfing moguls and Nalu Underground magazine founders Mike and Curt Smith were arrested on federal cocaine dealing-related charges June 28, 2007, at Los Angeles
LA bust incarcerates Hanapepe residents
by Amanda C. Gregg – THE GARDEN ISLAND
HANAPEPE — Hanapepe surfing moguls and Nalu Underground magazine founders Mike and Curt Smith were arrested on federal cocaine dealing-related charges June 28, 2007, at Los Angeles International Airport.
Law enforcement officers seized 5,303 grams of cocaine and $40,000 in cash from the brothers, according to a July 13 indictment from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors allege the brothers had an eight-year-long drug trafficking enterprise in which they brought cocaine to Kaua‘i from California.
The search was the second to involve the Drug Enforcement Agency and Curtis Smith. Drug Enforcement Agency officers seized $89,660 from him Nov. 16 at the same airport.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rasha Gerges said some charges, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine, have been dropped against Mike and Curt Smith as part of a plea deal.
However, the Smiths still face charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine charges, for which Curt Smith pleaded guilty on Sept. 5.
Both men were granted permission to post $50,000 bond June 29 by federal Judge Victor Kenton, based on a conditional release; however, Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodrigo A. Castro-Silva appealed and changed that decision based on the egregious nature of the allegations.
Curt Smith’s sentencing is Feb. 11, 2008.
