HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The alleged leader of a violent drug trafficking ring on Kauai was sentenced in federal court Thursday.

On Sept. 4, David Borges, 43, of Koloa was sentenced to 29 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Borges pleaded guilty to charges of extortion, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and distributing a mixture of fentanyl and cocaine.

He has been in federal custody since his arrest in March of 2023.

Borges’ plea follows guilty pleas from five co-defendants in the same case, all of whom have been sentenced.

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