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Ka’u drug sweep results in 12 arrests 04-23-03

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE POLICE CHIEF
PHONE: 961-2244
APRIL 23, 2003

MEDIA RELEASE

Kona Vice Section officers arrested 12 persons Wednesday (April 23, 2003) during a major drug operation in Ka’u.

Assisted by Community Policing, Hilo Vice Section and Ka’u Patrol officers and State Department of Land and Natural Resources and U.S. Customs Service agents, the officers executed four search warrants on five structures in the Ka’u District.

In announcing the arrests, Police Chief Lawrence K. Mahuna said: “The operation is part of the Hawaii County Police Department’s efforts to curtail illegal drug operations on the Big Island.

“The police department and county administration will continue aggressive pursuit and prosecution of suspects engaged in illegal drug and narcotics activities on our island.”

In Wednesday’s sweep, officers raided residences in Naalehu and Green Sands subdivision.

In addition, they seized a number of items, including 1.5 grams of crystal methamphetamine, or “ice”; 26 grams of dry and 12.2 grams of wet marijuana; four marijuana plants ranging in height from seedlings to three feet; drug paraphernalia; surveillance equipment; $444 in cash; and two .22-caliber rifles with ammunition.

Arrested in the sweep were Sherwood Silva, 29, Henrylyn Hose, 25, Saydi Cajigal, 29, Delfredo Llanes, 35, Dawson Pilanca, 21, Douglas Rychener, 37, Madeline Rychener, 34, John Roddy, 52, Charlene Roddy, 53, Matthew Roddy, 23, Edward Billman Sr., 50, and Suemae Billman, 51.

Police said they will be seeking federal prosecution in several of the cases.

The 12 suspects are being held in the Kona police cellblock pending further investigation.

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