A preliminary hearing is scheduled for today in Puna District Court for a California man suspected of trafficking narcotics from the Mainland to the Big Island.

Cirilo Sotelo, 47, also known as Cirilo Sotelo-Almanzan, is accused of criminal conspiracy to conduct unlawful methamphetamine trafficking, second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with evidence.

Sotelo is being held in lieu of $150,000 bail and on a federal detainer for immigration violations, according to the Big Island prosecuting attorney's office.

Sotelo made his initial appearance yesterday in Hilo District Court.

He was arrested Friday in a police raid at a home on Lehua Street in the Fern Acres subdivision in Mountain View. Another man, 30, arrested with Sotelo, was released yesterday pending further investigation.

Police Lt. Samuel Jelsma of the Hilo Vice Section's Ice Task Force said the raid capped an investigation that started with street-level buys.

"I would suspect they were bringing a substantial amount of crystal methamphetamine to the Big Island from the Mainland," Jelsma said.

Police raided the Lehua Street residence Friday and reported seizing as evidence 30 grams of crystal methamphetamine, plastic bags and an empty jar that was allegedly used to conceal drugs.

Police allegedly saw Sotelo and the uncharged second suspect flushing an unknown amount of a substance believed to be crystal methamphetamine down a toilet as they entered the home.

Police also seized a digital scale, additional plastic bags and $2,700 cash in a follow-up raid at a Peck Road home.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.