Kauai Woman Sentenced in Trans-Pacific Drug Network Case

January 14, 2026

Summary

A Kauai woman was sentenced to three years in prison for trafficking methamphetamine as part of a drug ring linked to a California prison.

A 46-year-old Kauai woman was sentenced to three years in federal prison Thursday for her role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl, and carfentanil across Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii island.

Trish Leila Henderson, also known as Trish Leila Silva, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi to 36 months in prison and five years of supervised release. She must report to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons by Feb. 19.

Henderson pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and was held responsible for trafficking 22 pounds of the drug.

Federal court records show that in 2024, authorities seized more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine, 2.2 pounds of fentanyl, 8.8 pounds of carfentanil, numerous firearms and ammunition, and over $150,000 in cash. Investigators also documented more than 50 drug and cash shipments over seven months.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), carfentanil is a synthetic opioid approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl and is typically used to immobilize large animals. Its presence in counterfeit pills or mixed with other substances can increase the risk of fatal overdoses.

The operation allegedly trafficked large quantities of controlled substances to Hawaii for several years. Federal court records identify two members of the group as affiliated with the Mexican Mafia.

Henderson is one of 11 individuals charged in three indictments related to what prosecutors described as a trans-Pacific trafficking organization. Nine defendants have pleaded guilty, and two are awaiting trial.

At sentencing, Judge Kobayashi cited Henderson’s efforts toward recovery and community engagement as mitigating factors.

She is the third person sentenced in a nine-defendant indictment dated April 4, 2024. Co-defendants include Anthony Bravo, Leonard Gutierrez (also known as “Lucky” and “Lenny”), Nathan “Butch” Ahhoy Lee, Jorelyn “JoJo” C. Pacariem, Dominic Gomes, Faith Michelle Nelson, Francis Anthony Abergas Jr., and Kennard Hinano Boyd Kekona.

Bravo allegedly led the operation from a California state prison using contraband cellphones. Nelson, Henderson, and Abergas managed trafficking efforts on Kauai and distributed methamphetamine obtained through the mail from Lee and Pacariem on Oahu. Proceeds were allegedly sent back to Oahu.

Federal agents collected evidence through intercepted communications, surveillance, traffic stops, and confidential sources.

In a related case, Shawn Pauahi Santana was sentenced on April 30 to 240 months in prison and five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy and drug distribution.

On Dec. 10, Nelson was sentenced to 151 months and five years of supervised release. On Dec. 16, Abergas received 210 months in prison and five years of supervised release for drug and firearm offenses.

The investigation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), police departments from Kauai, Maui, and Honolulu, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret C. Nammar.

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