Brian Keith Kapileo Nepaial, a 38-year-old resident of Aloha, Oregon, has been charged with pointing a laser at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Court documents state that on October 3, 2025, a CBP helicopter was struck by a green laser while attempting to land. The incident forced the flight crew to abort their planned landing. Crew members observed an individual walking near a residence before disappearing from view. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) later identified the residence involved in the incident.
On October 10, 2025, FBI special agents executed a federal search warrant at the identified residence. During the search, agents found a laser in Kapileo Nepaial’s bedroom as well as over 100 grams of methamphetamine and evidence indicating drug trafficking activity.
Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 34 individuals with federal crimes related to offenses at the ICE building. These charges include assaulting federal officers, failure to comply with orders, and damaging government property.
“Laser strikes are a serious matter with potentially deadly repercussions. They put the lives of the pilots and the public at risk. Aiming or pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime and will be prosecuted,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Kapileo Nepaial is currently being held in Washington County custody due to a parole violation.
The charge for aiming a laser pointer carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute can result in up to forty years in federal prison.
The investigation is ongoing by the FBI and prosecution is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
