A federal grand jury has indicted Blane Apostadiro, 47, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, on charges related to drug distribution and firearm offenses. The indictment includes five counts: conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute these substances, using and discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and illegal possession of ammunition as a convicted felon and unlawful drug user.
The charges stem from an incident on October 27, 2024. According to the indictment and a previously unsealed criminal complaint, Honolulu Police Department officers observed Apostadiro driving a stolen vehicle. He fled the scene on foot after abandoning the vehicle. During his escape, Apostadiro allegedly discharged a privately manufactured firearm known as a "ghost gun," prompting police officers to return fire in defense. Apostadiro was incapacitated during this exchange and subsequently taken into custody.
Upon his arrest, officers found methamphetamine, fentanyl, digital scales, plastic baggies, ammunition, a lower receiver, and a loaded ghost gun in his possession. Additional controlled substances and drug paraphernalia were recovered from the stolen vehicle.
United States Attorney Clare E. Connors commented on the case: “Both fentanyl and ghost guns pose a grave threat to public safety, putting both law enforcement and innocent community members at risk,” she said. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold armed drug dealers accountable in the criminal justice system for the significant harm they inflict.”
If convicted on all counts, Apostadiro could face life imprisonment with mandatory minimum sentences totaling 20 years for the drug and firearm charges. Fines could reach up to $10 million.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case alongside the Honolulu Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan D. Slack and Wayne A. Myers are prosecuting it.