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Police Arrest Four in Two Puna Drug Raids 03-15-01

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
HILO VICE SECTION
DETECTIVE MARSHALL K. KANEHAILUA
PHONE: 961-2340
MARCH 15, 2001
G-61008/G-61031

MEDIA RELEASE

Acting on search warrants, Big Island police raided two Puna residences Wednesday (March 14, 2001), arresting four persons and seizing various amounts of dangerous drugs, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

The raids were part of a joint operation conducted by officers from the Hilo Vice Section, community policing program and Puna Patrol.

Acting on information about an indoor marijuana growing operation, officers obtained a search warrant and raided a Hawaiian Acres residence about 1:45 p.m.

There they seized 41 marijuana plants ranging from 1 to 3 feet in height, an “ice” pipe with heavy methamphetamine residue, indoor growing lights, a timer and ballast.

They also arrested a male suspect, identified as James Parker, 43, for promoting a dangerous drug, promoting a detrimental drug and illegal possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was released pending further investigation.

In the second raid, officers executing a search warrant at 2:45 p.m. at a Kurtistown residence seized 1.18 ounces of cocaine; .4 grams of crack cocaine; .9 grams of crystal methamphetamine, or “ice”; 1.8 grams of marijuana; a cellular telephone; and various drug paraphernalia, including a burner, glass tubes, packaging containers, lighters, pipes and scales.

They also arrested two men and a woman on four counts of promoting dangerous drugs, one count of promoting a detrimental drug and one count of illegal possession of drug paraphernalia.

Arrested were Charles Richardson, 39, of Hawaiian Shores, and Patrick Kalaola, 26, and Gardenia P. Nisperos, 32, both of Kurtistown. The three were released pending further investigation.

During the raid, officers also found a 7-month-old infant, whom they turned over to the Child Protective Services for care.

Lieutenant Henry Tavares of the Hilo Vice Section said the raids were part of continuing efforts to curtail the use of dangerous drugs and large marijuana growing operations.

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