A 38-year-old Pepeekeo man arrested Monday admitted to being a heroin dealer, according to court documents filed by police.
A 38-year-old Pepeekeo man arrested Monday admitted to being a heroin dealer, according to court documents filed by police.
Police said they executed a search warrant Monday at the residence of Bruce Ah Fong “BJ” Bello.
The search allegedly found 52.6 grams of heroin — almost 2 ounces — a digital scale, a Glenfield 30-30 rifle, a CZ .22 caliber rifle and ammunition.
One of the rifles was reported stolen during a burglary last year, police said.
Police also seized $6,092 in cash for possible forfeiture.
Bello, who is on probation for a prior felony drug conviction, told police he uses heroin and also sells it for $200-$250 a gram, according to documents.
Bello was charged with two counts of first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition.
During Bello’s initial court appearance Wednesday, Deputy Public Defender Jonas Krave asked Hilo District Judge Harry Freitas to free Bello on court-supervised release without cash bail or to reduce his bail.
Deputy Prosecutor Kevin Soong objected to the requested release or bail reduction.
Freitas maintained Bello’s bail at $130,000 and ordered him to return at 11 a.m. Friday for a preliminary hearing.
Bello remains in custody at Hawaii Community Correctional Center.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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