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Police bust Kona ‘ice’ lab 09-09-04

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
WEST HAWAII VICE SECTION
LIEUTENANT MITCHELL KANEHAILUA
PHONE: 326-4646
SEPTEMBER 9, 2004
I-04683/KN
DANGEROUS DRUGS

MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police arrested a 28-year-old woman Tuesday (September 7, 2004) after discovering what is believed to be an “ice” lab in Kalaoa, Kona.

The suspect, identified as Christie Alesna, of an Onaona Drive address, was arrested on four counts of promoting a dangerous drug, five counts of illegal possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of promoting a dangerous drug and, because of the presence of an elderly man and woman and an 11-month-old infant, three counts of reckless endangering. The suspect was later released pending further investigation.

About 6:05 a.m. Tuesday, officers of the West Hawaii Ice Task Force, aided by officers of the West Hawaii Vice Section and Airport Smuggling Unit, executed a search warrant on Alesna’s residence.

On entry, the officers observed what appeared to be crystal methamphetamine, or “ice,” and other chemicals and drug paraphernalia, which made the residence, appear to be an ice lab.

Alesna’s residence and an adjoining residence were evacuated, and a crime lab team was called in to process the lab.

After three days of processing the lab, officers recovered 1.1 grams of dried marijuana and one-tenth of a gram of crystal methamphetamine. They also recovered 12.6 pounds of a liquid substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Another 7.5 pounds of a liquid substance that tested positive for methamphetamine was recovered from a vehicle parked at the residence.

Chemicals used in the manufacture of “ice,” such as acetone, iodine and denatured alcohol, as well as sudaphed tablets were recovered.

Because a number of unknown chemicals were found, an environmental cleanup company was called in from Honolulu to dispose of the substances.

Police are asking that anyone with information about the distribution or manufacturing of dangerous drugs, including crystal methamphetamine, to call the Kona “Ice” Hotline at 329-“ZERO-ICE” (329-0423) or Lieutenant Mitchell Kanehailua of the West Hawaii Vice Section at 329-4646, Ext. 226.

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