honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, January 30, 2003

Seven arrested on Big Island in crackdown on drugs

Advertiser Staff

HILO, Hawai'i — The Hawai'i County Police Department continued its crackdown on suspected drug dealers this week with seven arrests and the seizure of more than three ounces of crystal methamphetamine and other drugs in two investigations.

The confiscated drugs had a street value of more than $13,000, said Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna.

"We are continuing efforts to investigate, identify, arrest and prosecute suspects involved in trafficking dangerous drugs," Mahuna said yesterday. "And wherever possible, we will seek federal prosecution of major distributors, which generally results in more severe penalties."

Tuesday afternoon, vice officers obtained search warrants for two vehicles parked at the Puhi Bay parking lot in Hilo after a drug-sniffing dog signaled the presence of illegal drugs. Police found crystal methamphetamine, crack cocaine, marijuana, $9,000 in cash and three handguns, while arresting four suspects ranging in age from 20 to 43.

One of suspects remains in custody while police seek federal drug charges. The other three were released while the investigation continues.

On Monday morning, vice officers raided a residence on Kupulau Road in Hilo, recovering powdered and crack cocaine, a handgun, $1,174 in cash and drug paraphernalia. Three suspects, all in their 20s, were arrested. Two were released pending drug lab analysis and one is being held on an unrelated warrant.

Police had reported the arrest of 21 suspects in a series of raids Jan. 8 on suspected drug houses in East Hawai'i.