15 arrested in Kona ‘ice’ bust 09-18-04

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
WEST HAWAII ICE TASK FORCE
DETECTIVE DERRIK DIEGO
PHONE: 326-4646, EXT. 312
SEPTEMBER 18, 2004
I-05476/KN

MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police arrested 15 adults on Thursday (September 16, 2004), following a two-month investigation into drug activity at a business establishment from which crystal methamphetamine, or “ice,” was allegedly being distributed.

About 12:50 a.m. Thursday, officers of the West Hawaii Ice Task Force, West Hawaii Vice Section and Airport Smuggling Unit, assisted by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, executed a search warrant on a welding shop located on Kaiwi Street in the Old Industrial Area of Kailua-Kona.

Police recovered crystal methamphetamine, dried marijuana, drug paraphernalia, several firearms and ammunition. In addition, U.S. currency and four motor vehicles were seized for possible forfeiture.

Police arrested and charged Stephen K. Murata, 40, of Holualoa, N. Kona, with three counts of promoting dangerous drugs, three counts of illegal possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of promoting detrimental drugs. Murata is being held in the Kona police cellblock in lieu of $12,500 bail. Murata was also arrested on a contempt of court bench warrant with bail set at $300.

Jaime Martinez-Sanchez, 33, of Kailua-Kona, was arrested and charged with three counts each of promoting dangerous drugs and illegal possession of drug paraphernalia. Martinez-Sanchez is being held in the Kona police cellblock in lieu of $6,000 bail.

Danielle Kaneao, 19, of Kailua-Kona, was arrested and charged with three counts each of promoting dangerous drugs and illegal possession of drug paraphernalia. Kaneao is being held in the Kona police cellblock in lieu of $6,000 bail.

Alisha D. Brenneman, 24, of no permanent address, was arrested and charged with one count each of promoting dangerous drugs and illegal possession of drug paraphernalia. Brenneman is being held in the Kona police cellblock in lieu of $4,000 bail.

Brandon T. Halmas, 24, of Kailua-Kona, was arrested and charged with one count each of promoting dangerous drugs and illegal possession of drug paraphernalia. Halmas is being held in the Kona police cellblock in lieu of $4,000 bail. Halmas was also arrested on a contempt of court bench warrant with bail set at $300.

James R. Vanderhoek, 49, of Captain Cook, South Kona, was arrested and charged with counts of promoting dangerous drugs, one count of illegal possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of promoting detrimental drugs and one count of possession of a deadly Weapon. Vanderhoek is being held in the Kona police cellblock in lieu of $4,100 bail.

Dale H. Beimes, 43, Kailua-Kona, was arrested and charged with one count each of promoting dangerous drugs, illegal possession of drug paraphernalia and promoting detrimental drugs. Beimes was released from custody after posting $4,250 bail.

Pohaku B. Veriato, 25, of Captain Cook, South Kona, was arrested and charged with one count each of promoting dangerous drugs and illegal possession of drug paraphernalia. Being unable to post $2,000 bail, Veriato was arraigned in Kona District Court on Friday.

Individuals arrested at the establishment for drug offenses, but released pending further investigation, were identified as Levie F. Genesiran, 36, Zeller K. Tilfas, 27, Brian D. Buerger, 45, Richard T. Halmas, 34, and Philip Acorda, 25, all of Kailua-Kona; Chet Fallwind, 24, and Michelle L. York, 27, both having no permanent address.

Although released on drug offenses, Genesiran is being held at the Kona police cellblock on two contempt of court bench warrants in lieu of $600 bail.

Police are continuing their efforts to end the importation, manufacture and distribution of “ice” on the Big Island. Police stress that the Ice Hotline offer a major means for the public to anonymously report information about illicit drug use and distribution. The phone numbers to call are 329-“ZERO-ICE” (329-0423) in Kona and 934-“VICE” (934-8423) in Hilo. These are anonymous tip lines, and all information and identity of callers are kept strictly confidential.

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