Posted at 12:03 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2002
Doctor to face hearing on drug charges
By Scott Ishikawa
and Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writers
U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo said that if convicted, Fong could face a maximum of 20 years in prison for importation of illegal drugs and another 10 years for possession of the drugs.
Kubo said law enforcement officials tracked Fong ordering chemicals to create the date rape drug from the Internet between Aug. 1 and yesterday. On Tuesday, three parcels addressed to Fong containing the chemicals were intercepted and opened, Kubo said. A further search of Fong's home turned up two ounces of cocaine, half an ounce of marijuana and 79 tablets of ecstasy, Kubo said.
Although Fong has indicated that the drugs were for his own personal use, Kubo said at a press conference today, the drugs found at Fong's home were not consistent with personal use.
"We're holding this press conference to warn the public that this drug is coming into Hawai'i," Kubo said. "It can cause coma and death."
Fong is a physician at Kaiser-Permanente Moana lua Medical Center. He was arrested yesterday and charged with possession of cocaine, date-rape drug ingredients, Ecstasy and steroids. He was also charged with being a drug user in possession of firearms in this case, five handguns.
Fong was arrested as he arrived at work. Police had followed him after he picked up three packages at a private mailing firm on Wai'alae Avenue, according to an affidavit.
Kaiser spokeswoman Jan Kagehiro said Fong is a physician with Hawai'i Permanente Medical Group, which is contracted by Kaiser to provide service. Fong, who has been with Kaiser since 1993, was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, Kagehiro said. "The reasons for his arrest were all related to personal activities," Kagehiro said. "As far his performance as a physician, he has provided good quality care to his patients."
