Five people were indicted yesterday in connection with a scheme to smuggle methamphetamine and marijuana into the Federal Detention Center, according to an indictment filed in U.S. District Court.

Robert Kupahu, Keoni Hylton, Keoki Astronomo, Marlene Astronomo and John Hawi Kupahu stand accused of conspiracy with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana and conspiracy to provide prohibited objects to inmates at the detention center, the indictment states.

Robert Kupahu, Keoki Astronomo, Hylton and Edward Michael Ramos, all inmates at the center, also were indicted on charges of possessing prohibited objects in prison, according to the U.S. attorney's office.

The indictment alleges that for more than a month, beginning in August, Robert Kupahu told his wife to give methamphetamine bought from his brother, John Hawi Kupahu, to a detention center corrections officer. Yesterday, 27-year-old Akoni S. Kapihe, a corrections officer at the detention center, was charged with supplying inmates with methamphetamine and marijuana from August through September this year, according to a complaint filed in U.S. District Court.

Keoki Astronomo had his mother, Marlene Astronomo, send marijuana and cash to Robert Kupahu's wife, which she then gave to Kapihe inside protein supplement containers that also held methamphetamine bought from John Hawi Kupahu, according to the indictment. Kapihe then allegedly carried them into the detention center, which is at Honolulu International Airport.

The indictment also alleges Keoni Hylton told his mother to send money to Robert Kupahu's wife. She then bought from John Hawi Kupahu methamphetamine that was stuffed into the protein supplement containers.

If convicted, Robert Kupahu, Keoni Hylton, Keoki Astronomo, Marlene Astronomo and John Hawi Kupahu could face 40-year maximum prison terms, with mandatory minimums of five years.

Robert Kupahu, Keoki Astronomo, Keoni Hylton and Ramos also face an additional 25 years maximum prison term with a five-year minimum, according to the U.S. attorney's office.

The case was investigated by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and officials with the federal Bureau of Prisons.

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.