Patrick Nowicke, a 44-year-old resident of Wahiawa, Hawaii, has been indicted on charges related to drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession. Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced the indictment, which includes allegations of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
According to court documents, law enforcement arrested Nowicke at his home on July 13, 2025. The arrest came after an armed standoff lasting several hours. Following the incident, officers searched the residence and found over ten pounds of methamphetamine along with an illegal short-barreled rifle, a 9mm privately made firearm, ammunition, a suspected silencer, and a suspected smoke grenade.
“If convicted of the charged offenses, Nowicke faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, including a combined mandatory minimum of 25 years for the drug and firearm charges, and fines of up to $10 million,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The indictment notes that these are accusations only; Nowicke is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court. Sentencing upon conviction would be determined by a United States District Judge based on statutory factors and federal guidelines.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are leading the investigation with support from the Honolulu Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara D. Ayabe is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a national effort coordinated by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing illegal immigration issues as well as eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The initiative also involves collaboration through Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
