Police, in partnership with the state Narcotics Enforcement Division, have arrested and charged a 35-year-old Hilo man with various drug-related offenses.
East Hawaii Vice Section officers and agents from the NED at 2 p.m. on Feb. 15 served a search warrant at a retail smoke shop in downtown Hilo.
Officers confiscated 362 grams (about 12.7 ounces) of dried processed marijuana, 1,109 grams (about 2.4 pounds) of marijuana concentrate and a small amount of cocaine.
A part owner/manager of the business, Karl Edward Stasik, was arrested.
Stasik was charged Friday with four counts of first-degree promotion of a harmful drug; two counts of second-degree promotion of a harmful drug; five counts of first-degree promotion of a detrimental drug; second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug; four counts of promoting a controlled substance on or near a public park; and third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug
Stasik’s bail was set at $271,000, and he made his initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon in Hilo District Court.
The search warrant and arrest were the result of an anonymous tip to police which sparked a monthslong investigation into the smoke shop and resulted in multiple controlled purchases of illegal marijuana products from the business.
Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact Officer Scotty Aloy at (808) 961-2207 or scotty.aloy@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.