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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Couple will face multiple narcotics, firearms charges

Advertiser Staff

Big Island police have charged a Kailua, Kona, couple with drug, firearms and other offenses.

After a month-long investigation, vice officers searched an Ahulani Street home Wednesday and seized more than seven pounds of powder cocaine, 12 grams of crack cocaine, about 10 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, nearly a half pound of marijuana, four firearms and more than $6,000 in cash.

The drugs have a combined street value of more than $222,000.

Police charged 28-year-old Darren Ching and his wife, 21-year-old Cherlynne Ching, each with three counts of promoting a dangerous drug in the first degree, one count of promoting a dangerous drug in the second degree, two counts of methamphetamine trafficking, one count of promoting a detrimental drug, six counts of drug paraphernalia, nine firearms offenses, one count of theft and one count of endangering the welfare of a minor. Bail was set at $40,500 each.

The theft charge resulted from one of the firearms being reported as stolen during a residential burglary earlier this year.

The endangering the welfare of a minor charge resulted from some of the drugs being in areas accessible by and in reach of the couple's toddler.

The 21-month-old boy was taken into protective custody and turned over to Child Protective Services.