PORTLAND, OR – Federal authorities have charged Brian Keith Kapileo Nepaial, 38, of Aloha, Oregon, for allegedly pointing a laser at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter and for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced the charges following an investigation by federal and local agencies.
According to court records, on October 3rd, a CBP helicopter was conducting operations in the area when it was struck multiple times by a green laser beam, forcing the pilot to abort a planned landing for safety reasons. The flight crew reported seeing an individual walking near a nearby residence shortly before the beam stopped.
An investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led agents to identify the suspected residence connected to the incident. A week later, federal agents executed a search warrant at the home. During the search, they reportedly found a laser device in Nepaial’s bedroom, along with more than 100 grams of methamphetamine and various materials suggesting drug trafficking activity.
Also Read
“Laser strikes are a serious matter with potentially deadly repercussions,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “They endanger the lives of pilots, passengers, and the public. Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a federal offense and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Federal law classifies pointing a laser at an aircraft as a serious crime, punishable by up to five years in federal prison. Additionally, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute carries a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison.
At present, Nepaial remains in custody in Washington County on an unrelated parole violation while awaiting federal proceedings.
Authorities emphasize that laser incidents against aircraft continue to be a growing safety concern across the nation. Even brief laser exposure can cause visual impairment for pilots, potentially leading to severe consequences during flight operations.
Federal and local law enforcement agencies encourage the public to report any laser-related activity targeting aircraft. The case serves as a reminder of the risks posed by such actions and the severe penalties that follow.
