United States Attorney Clare E Connors | U.S. Department of Justice
A federal grand jury has indicted Blane Apostadiro, 47, from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, on charges related to drug distribution and firearm offenses. The indictment includes five counts against Apostadiro for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possessing these drugs with intent to distribute, using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and illegal possession of ammunition as a convicted felon.
The charges stem from an incident on October 27, 2024. According to the indictment and details from a previously unsealed criminal complaint, officers from the Honolulu Police Department observed Apostadiro driving a stolen vehicle. He abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot while discharging a privately manufactured firearm known as a "ghost gun." In response, officers discharged their weapons in defense. Apostadiro was incapacitated during this exchange and subsequently taken into custody.
Upon arresting Apostadiro, 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.
"Both fentanyl and ghost guns pose a grave threat to public safety," stated United States Attorney Clare E. Connors. "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 faces up to life in prison with mandatory minimum sentences totaling 20 years for the drug and firearm charges. He could also face fines of up to $10 million.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting this investigation alongside the Honolulu Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan D. Slack and Wayne A. Myers are prosecuting the case.
