(BIVN) – A South Kona man has been sentenced to a decade in prison for attempting to smuggle methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin from Kona International Airport to Alaska.
On November 6th in federal court, 52-year-old Kevin James Hallum of Captain Cook was sentenced to 121 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute the drugs.
The sentence, handed down by United States District Judge Micah W. J. Smith to 121 months in prison, followed Hallum’s conviction on July 2, 2026, after a four-day jury trial.
United States Attorney Ken Sorenson says the evidence presented at trial shows that on July 25, 2025, Hallum attempted to pass through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening at the Kona airport while “carrying a substantial quantity of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and other controlled substances concealed inside work boots packed in his carry-on luggage.”
“During the screening process, TSA officers identified anomalies in Hallum’s bag and discovered the drugs hidden inside socks placed within the boots,” the United States Attorney explained. “When TSA officers began inspecting the luggage, Hallum made statements identifying the boots as his, attempted to retrieve the drugs that had been discovered, and then fled from the security checkpoint. He was later apprehended, charged, and convicted.”
At sentencing, the Court found that Hallum obstructed justice through false testimony during both his trial and sentencing proceedings, the prosecutors say.
“Methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl continue to devastate our local families and communities across Hawaii,” said United States Attorney Ken Sorenson in a news release. “These drugs can quickly convert users into addicts willing to steal, rob, and even murder to get their next fix. These drugs vastly increase crime upon our law-abiding citizens and add to ever-increasing numbers of homelessness among our families and keiki. We pledge to continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute those who transport and distribute dangerous narcotics in Hawaii, whether it be through our airports or any other means.”
“Drug traffickers who use our airports to transport methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and other narcotics will be identified and held accountable,” said Homeland Security Investigations Honolulu Acting Special Agent in Charge CJ Ammons. “By strategically leveraging partnerships, advanced technology, and other sources of information, HSI Honolulu remains dedicated to securing our borders and protecting Hawaii from illicit trafficking.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mohammad Khatib and Jonathan D. Slack prosecuted the case.
