Return raid in Kalihi nets 13 drug arrests

Associated Press

Police arrested 13 people on warrants and drug charges early yesterday morning during a raid on a Kalihi home that has become notorious over the years.

Officers, wearing masks to protect themselves from possible tuberculosis infection from the suspects, found crystal methamphetamine, the drug known as ice, as well as drug paraphernalia inside the home at 686 Bannister St., police said.

Hawaiian Humane Society workers were called to the scene to remove several animals.

Nine of the 13 people arrested were released, pending further investigation.

The raid stemmed from neighbors' complaints about drug activity, officials said. Police have said that because of numerous drug and gambling arrests at the address, they would like to see the house forfeited to the state.

A man was fatally beaten during a brawl stemming from a cockfight at the home in November 2001. In April 2002, a police raid at the home led to the arrest of 20 people and the discovery of drugs and related paraphernalia.

The owner of the house, Elliott Johnson, has said he will fight any attempts to make him forfeit the property.