Police report fentanyl arrests for May, seek tips from public
As part of its continuing community outreach about the dangers of fentanyl, the Hawaii Police Department provides monthly updates about the amount of fentanyl-related arrests in Hawaii County and the quantity of fentanyl recovered for the preceding month.
In May, there were 10 fentanyl-related arrests, nine in East Hawaii and one in West Hawaii.
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Police recovered 31.25 grams of illicit fentanyl last month, including 21.65 grams in East Hawaii and 9.6 grams in West Hawaii.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, just 2 milligrams of illicit fentanyl, equal to a couple grains of salt, is a lethal dose.
The 31.25 grams of illicit fentanyl recovered by HPD in May 2024 was enough to kill 15,625 Hawaii Island residents.
HPD also recovered 137 fentanyl pills in East Hawaii.
According to HPD, in recent years the use of illicit fentanyl has reached epidemic proportions on the mainland and Hawaii. Criminal drug networks are mixing this dangerous synthetic opioid into illegal counterfeit pills and selling them as legitimate prescription pills, often with deadly consequences.
HPD asks those with information relating to illicit drug use and distribution — as well as vice issues such as prostitution, gambling, and other related crimes — to call the East Hawaii and West Hawaii Vice Sections 24-hour anonymous vice/drug tip hotline.
The numbers are:
— (808) 329-0423 (information pertaining to districts of Kaʻu, Kona, South Kohala and North Kohala).
— (808) 934-8423 (information pertaining to districts of Puna, South Hilo and Hamakua).
Those who call will be asked to provide information. Callers do not have to provide their name, address or telephone number. All information is kept confidential and within the Criminal Investigation Division.
Information is cross-referenced, allowing detectives to determine if additional information related to the criminal activity about which the person is calling has been reported in the past.
Even “small” bits of information can at times provide detectives with the “missing link” that allows them to take action, according to HPD.
