Charges Dismissed against 2 of 4 Defendants in Maui Drug Case

By Brian Cole

Published on February 05, 2007

After executing a search warrant Jan. 19 at the Kahului home of Patrick and Ohia Lehua Aniban, police said they recovered 18.5 pounds of cocaine, six pounds of crystal methamphetamine, one ounce of marijuana, $114,000 in cash, four vehicles, and a motorcycle. The street value of the drugs seized was estimated at $1.5 million.

During a preliminary hearing, Judge Barclay MacDonald ruled that there was not enough evidence to prosecute Ohia Aniban, 33, and Wallace H. Koga, 57, who was arrested at the house during the raid. Police testified that they found $1,700 in $20 bills in Ohia Aniban's purse. However, Judge MacDonald said it was feasible that she would carry that much cash as owner of a Subway sandwich shop and that it therefore did not constitute proof she was aware of or part of any drug trafficking.

Charges remain against Ohia Aniban's husband, Patrick Aniban, and against Matthew Otterson, who was taken into custody at the Aniban's home during the raid.

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