KEAAU, Hawaii — Four people were arrested Monday in connection with a

methamphetamine trafficking investigation in Keaau.

Christopher Saribay, 29, of Hilo, and Keaau residents Ruel Castro, 34, and Diane Blanco, 29, were nabbed in a vehicle in which 41 grams of crystal methamphetamine was found. Police said the drugs had a street value of approximately $8,000.

The three suspects were charged with a variety of drug offenses including first-degree methamphetamine trafficking. Castro was being held in lieu of $18,000 bail, while Saribay and Blanco were released after posting $9,000 and $11,000 bail, respectively.

In a separate incident, Wendell Olivera, 44, of Hilo, was arrested after police found 2.5 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a shotgun and a semi-automatic handgun in his vehicle.

Olivera, a convicted felon, was charged with firearms offenses, second-degree methamphetamine trafficking and numerous other drug crimes. He was being held in lieu of $40,000 bail.