HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
EAST HAWAII VICE SECTION
DETECTIVE MARSHALL K. KANEHAILUA
PHONE: 961-2340
JANUARY 2, 2004

MEDIA RELEASE

Police arrested four persons for a variety of drug and firearms offenses Wednesday (December 31, 2003) in a drug bust on a Hilo residence.

The four were identified as Steven Tonga, 31, Mary Toledo, 40, Litnus Tonga, 27, and Iulianna Tonga, 24, all of a Kanoelehua Street address.

During an 8:50 a.m. search Wednesday, officers of the East Hawaii Ice Task Force also recovered 12.6 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 1.8 grams of dried marijuana, glass smoking pipes and a scale, a Smith & Wesson .357 magnum revolver, a .22-caliber revolver and $7,250 in cash.

In serving the search warrant, task force officers were assisted by East Hawaii Vice and Criminal Investigation Section officers and an agent from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Steven Tonga, who was on parole at the time of the drug raid, was charged with promoting a dangerous drug, illegal possession of drug paraphernalia, prohibited ownership of a firearm, having no permit to acquire a firearm and failing to register a firearm. His bail was set at $250,000.

Litnus Tonga was charged with promoting a dangerous drug and illegal possession of drug paraphernalia. His bail was set at $2,000.

Mary Toledo was charged with promoting a dangerous drug, illegal possession of drug paraphernalia and promoting a detrimental drug. Her bail was set at $2,500.

Iulianna Tonga was released pending further investigation.

Police are working with the ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s office to prosecute Steven Tonga in federal court on the gun and ice charges.

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