Fighting roosters, firearms, ice seized in Waipahu raid

By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer

Police arrested nine people and seized 20 grams of crystal methamphetamine, three firearms and two silencers, 70 fighting cocks, 30 gaffs and $2,800 cash in a weekend raid on a Pahu Street residence in Waipahu's Weed & Seed area.

Capt. Kevin Lima of the Honolulu Police Department's Narcotics/Vice Division called the Saturday morning raid a "significant bust" because of the drugs, illegal firearms and cockfighting evidence that were seized. In addition to the crystal meth, which Lima said has a street value of $6,000, police also seized a small quantity of marijuana.

The nine people arrested — five men and four women — were released pending further investigation. A father and son, ages 61 and 33, have 50 and 80 prior arrests, respectively, police said. The cases may be turned over for federal prosecution since firearms and drugs are involved and the house is in a Weed & Seed district, said Lima.

"It appears to be a haven for criminal activity," Lima said.

Narcotics/Vice Lt. Lester Hite said the undercover operation on the house was started in response to two complaints from the community. Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms were present at the 6:25 a.m. raid.

The presence of silencers are of particular concern. One was attached to a loaded .22-caliber Ruger rifle, Hite said. Another was a homemade silencer. A revolver and semiautomatic pistol, both loaded, were also recovered.

Hite said the 70 roosters were groomed for cockfighting. The animals and gaffs have been turned over to the gambling detail for investigation.

The arrests Saturday were for drug and firearm offenses. Most of those arrested had outstanding criminal-contempt warrants.

Reach Rod Ohira at 535-8181 or rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.