Neighbor Island briefs

Advertiser Staff and News Services

BIG ISLAND

Drug raid nets 10 arrests in Keauhou

KEALAKEHE, Hawai'i — Kona-based vice officers arrested 10 suspects Friday in a Keauhou drug raid.

Police seized 10 pounds of dried, processed marijuana from a warehouse, as well as 2,065 plants that ranged from seedlings to 3 feet, said Lt. Robert Hickox.

Using a search warrant, police arrested three Kona men, ages 18, 40 and 58. They also took into custody five Puna men, ages 21, 21, 35, 40 and 46, and two Kawaihae residents, a man, 40, and a woman, 21.

Yesterday, an 11th suspect was arrested when he turned himself into police. The 42-year-old's hometown was not disclosed.

Hickox said charges ranging from criminal conspiracy to distribute marijuana to possession of drug paraphernalia and promoting harmful drugs are pending.

All 11 were held at the Kona police cellblock pending formal charges. Hawai'i National Guard troops assisted in the raid.

Suspect charged in Hawi break-in

HILO, Hawai'i — Police have charged a 19-year-old Hilo man with terroristic threatening, burglary and two counts of rape in connection with the Nov. 28 break-in of a home in Hawi, North Kohala.

Ezra Bob Mahu, a former North Kohala resident, was arrested on a warrant and ordered held in lieu of $140,000 bail. He was charged with a separate burglary and sexual assault Nov. 11 in Kapa'au.