Big Island site of drug raids

Advertiser Staff

HILO, Hawai'i — The Hilo Ice Task Force and Hawai'i County vice officers conducted several raids last week.

A gram of crystal methamphetamine was seized along with smoking pipes in a raid of a Banyan Drive apartment Jan. 12. Three people were arrested and released.

That same day, more than 5 grams of crystal meth, 1.2 grams of marijuana and $1,091 in cash were seized from a vehicle occupied by Denise Mejia, 33, of Kaumana.

Two days later, a raid of an 'Iolani Street address netted about 3.5 grams of crystal meth. Parolee Chad Chaves, 29, was arrested.

Cocaine, marijuana and firearms were recovered Friday in a raid of Luakaha Street residence. Manuel Villaluz, 47, was arrested and charged.