HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE POLICE CHIEF
PHONE: 961-2244
MAY 14, 2003
MEDIA RELEASE
“Help Stop Ice-Call 934-VICE or 329-0ICE”
The Hawaii County Police Department has set up two vice/drug tip hotlines for use by anonymous tippers, according to Police Chief Lawrence K. Mahuna.
“We ask the public to ‘Help stop ice and call 934-VICE’ (or 934-8423) to provide tips on illicit drug use and distribution and other vice-related crimes (such as prostitution and gambling) in East Hawaii,” Mahuna said.
“West Hawaii residents may call 329-0ICE (or 329-0423) to tip off officers about illegal vice activity in Ka’u, Kona and North and South Kohala.”
He said callers do not have to provide their names, addresses or telephone numbers. To ensure anonymity, callers will be given a case tracking number they should use when calling with additional information or when they want to speak to a detective regarding any information they previously provided.
“We will keep all information we receive strictly confidential and within the Criminal Investigation Division,” he said.
Mahuna noted that the tip hotlines are a continuation of the department’s “Operation Meltdown,” in which 21 persons were arrested in a major sweep on January 8 this year.
In that joint operation, police officers — assisted by personnel from other county, state and federal agencies — raided eight Puna and Hilo residences in which illegal drug activities were reportedly taking place.
Acting on search warrants, officers recovered a total of 10.5 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, or “ice”; 13.3 ounces of cocaine; 34 marijuana plants; 7 ounces of dried marijuana; various types of prescription drugs; and numerous scales, containers, packets and pipes used in drug distribution and consumption.
They also confiscated one automobile in which illegal drugs were recovered as the result of a search warrant. In addition, they confiscated three rifles, three handguns, various types of ammunition and $6,083 in cash.
Mahuna urged members of the public to use the new hotline telephone numbers, saying that no matter how “small” a bit of information might be to the caller, it may provide detectives with the “missing Link” they need to take action.
If a caller wants to leave his name and telephone number with the hotline, a vice officer will call him back as soon as possible.
Police said callers should be as specific as possible and provide the following information:
- Location of the incident, street address of building or house, description of location, nearest intersecting streets and landmarks near or at the scene.
- Description of vehicles involved, such as make, model, color and license plate.
- Description of persons involved, such as height, sex, age, weight, clothing and hair color.
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