An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

NEWS | April 24, 2025

Civilian Drug Dealer Responsible for Death of Marine Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison

By NCIS Public Affairs

"NCIS will aggressively pursue any individual who seeks to harm our Navy and Marine warfighters. The sale of illicit narcotics, which resulted in the death of a young Marine, will not be tolerated."


HONOLULU –A civilian drug dealer was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison April 3 following an NCIS and Drug Enforcement Administration investigation into the overdose death of a 25-year-old active-duty Marine stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Honolulu.

Rayshaun Ducos, 27, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking in December 2024. He also admitted to selling cocaine that resulted in the Marine’s overdose death.

NCIS initiated an investigation in January 2023 upon notification of the Marine’s suspected overdose at his residence. Emergency technicians transported the Marine to Castle Medical Center, where he as pronounced deceased. The investigation resulted in the identification of Ducos, who during the execution of a search warrant at his residence was found attempting to flush a large quantity of cocaine down the toilet.

Special agents recovered two privately made firearms, also known as “ghost guns,” including a loaded 9 mm pistol and a 5.56 mm AR pistol. Additionally, they seized hundreds of rounds of ammunition, more than $30,000 in U.S currency, cocaine, and paraphernalia including scales, packaging and a ledger, indicating an intent to distribute.

The above story references information from a U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Hawaii press release dated April 3, which may be found here.