HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
HILO CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION
CAPTAIN JAMES DAY
PHONE: 961-2251
JUNE 3, 1999
F-96329
MEDIA RELEASE
Following a year-long investigation, a joint operation by Big Island police Thursday (June 3, 1999) resulted in the arrest of 13 people on a variety of drug offenses.
The arrests were made in the Ainaloa and Paradise Park subdivisions of Puna and Kaiwiki area of Hilo.
The arrests were made after an investigation led by Hilo Patrol Officer Elson Cabatu revealed suspects were selling drugs in return for stolen items.
Making the arrests were officers from the Hilo and Kona Vice Sections, the Criminal Investigation and Juvenile Aid Sections and the Community Policing Program.
Acting on search warrants, the officers seized crystal methamphetamine, crack cocaine, dried marijuana, growing marijuana plants, prescription pills and drug paraphernalia.
They also served 14 bench warrants on the suspects arrested.
Arrested were Shawna Kaulukukui, 22, of Orchiland Estates; Scott Stevens, 31, Ookala; Warren Mehau, 37, of no permanent address; Kimo King, 38, of Hilo; Shawn Urubio, 27, of Kaiwiki; Russell Hamilton, 23, of Kaiwiki; Timothy Soares, 41, of Ainaloa; Gilbert Desa Jr., 41, of Ainaloa; Sandra Taoy, 52, of Ainaloa; Imelda Rabina, 23, of Kaiwiki; Keith Vierra, 40, of Hawaiian Paradise Park; Clyde Harbottle, 34, of Ainaloa; and Brenda Lewis, 34, of Ainaloa.
The suspects were released pending further investigation. Police are continuing an investigation into stolen items found at the residences where the arrests took place.
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