Media Release

A tip to the Hawai’i Police Department’s Ice Hotline has led to drug charges against a Puna man and the seizure of illegal drugs.

Area I Vice Section officers served a search warrant on a suspected drug trafficker early Wednesday morning (October 14) at a home in Puna’s Orchidland subdivision.

The officers recovered 17.7 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a small amount of marijuana, resealable plastic bags, a digital scale and other paraphernalia indicative of narcotics distribution. 

They arrested 49-year-old Keith Frendo of Kea’au and charged him with methamphetamine trafficking, promoting a detrimental drug and two counts each of promoting a dangerous drug and drug paraphernalia. His bail was set at $64,250. 

Officers also recovered a 2005 Ford pickup truck and $3,721 in cash for forfeiture. 

Police encourage the public to call the Police Department’s 24-hour ice hotlines to provide anonymous information about ice and other illegal drugs. The hotline phone numbers are 329-"ZERO-ICE" (329-0423) in Kona and 934-"VICE" (934-8423) in Hilo.

For information about how to use the hotlines, visit the Police Department’s website at www.hawaiipolice.com and click on "police hotlines" and then click on "How To Use Vice/Drug Tip Hotline."