KANE'OHE — Windward District police took six children out of what they described as a "filthy" home yesterday and arrested a man and a woman during a drug raid.

The children, ages 5 months to 11 years, were placed with Child Welfare Services.

Police said they confiscated about $14,000 in cash, drugs and property that they suspect was stolen early yesterday morning at the home on Kea'ahala Road. They said the children were living in terrible conditions.

The couple, both 28, were arrested at the home, said Maj. Susan Dowsett, Windward District 4 commander. The female suspect is the mother of five of the six children. They were released yesterday afternoon pending further investigation.

The police Crime Reduction Unit, with the assistance of the Specialized Services Division, found 7 grams of crystal methamphetamine worth about $1,600 and 18 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and small plastic bags used to sell drugs, Dowsett said.

In addition to the mess, a foul smell filled the house, old food was left on the stove and dirty diapers were scattered throughout the house, Dowsett said.

"Even when we were trying to prepare cereal for the children to eat there was nothing for them to eat with," she said.

Police have been investigating the couple since October. They said neighbors complained about noise, traffic and numerous visitors.

The amount of money collected points to drug dealing, Dowsett said.

"The average person doesn't have $14,000 in small bills laying around their house and that's more than a casual user quantity of drugs that were found," Dowsett said.

Police went to the home at 6:13 a.m. with search warrants for the home, the suspects and their van, she said.

Some of the money and a pipe were stashed in a fanny pack and police also found cash in big plastic jars.

Police also confiscated two laptop computers, an air compressor, a flat-screen TV, jewelry, cell phones, paint-ball equipment and a camera with a monitor that was mounted to view people coming into the house.

Dowsett said the investigation may expand if any of the confiscated items turn out to be stolen. What is not part of the evidence, such as video games or other personal items, will be forfeited, police said.

The man and woman were arrested on suspicion of promoting dangerous drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and promoting detrimental drugs. The man has six prior arrests; the woman none.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.