#methamphetamine

31-year-old Shalton Estocado’s bail was maintained at $160,000 and he was ordered Wednesday, March 18, to appear March 30 for an appointment of counsel hearing; he faces 3 counts of second-degree theft, 3 counts of habitual property crime and 2 counts of third-degree promoting a dangerous drug.

A search warrant was executed on the suspect’s vehicle, where nearly $800 worth of stolen property and meth were recovered.

Hawaiʻi Island’s east side and west side vice sections were consolidated in February 2025 to enable detectives to better zero in on the drug problem islandwide.

Officers recovered a loaded, semi-automatic 12 gauge shotgun with a defaced serial  number, a glass smoking pipe, and a clear zip type baggie containing what tested presumptive positive for meth.

52-year-old Davin Antonio was arrested following narcotics search warrants in Ainaloa on Monday.

The suspect was found with almost 2 ounces of suspected meth after his vehicle was searched at a gas station in Kona.

Douglas Louis of Pāhala faces drug and firearms charges after authorities in Hilo discovered over 1.8 pounds of methamphetamine, ghost guns, and various firearms in his possession on July 12.

The 54-year-old was officially charged on June 26 with possessing with intent to distribute and manufacture methamphetamine, possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, unlawful possession of firearms, and unlawful possession of explosives.

The suspect reportedly stole about $100 worth of items from the grocery store on May 30.

40-year-old John Juan-Malak Taliauli faces charges including first-degree terroristic threatening, place to keep: pistols or revolvers, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug (fentanyl), plus others. He remains in custody and was ordered to appear May 15 for a preliminary hearing in the case.

42-year-old Patricia Ann McConnell of Pāhoa was charged with second-degree murder in connection with a reported domestic dispute late the night of April 24 in Nānāwale Estates between her and 45-year-old Patrick Gideon John-Bruce Dalrymple-Collins also of Pāhoa.

49-year-old Juan Carlos Espinoza Lopez was sentenced April 3 for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, being an illegal immigrant in possession of a firearm and ammunition and illegal re-entry into the country. He was arrested in April 2024 in Ocean View.

Capt. Edwin Buyten, who has worked within the department for 20 years, spending 15 years within West Hawai‘i Vice section from an officer to a detective to a lieutenant, will lead the unified fight against drugs in the county.

Curtis Mamone Jr. faces two charges of felony abuse; one charge of third-degree promoting a dangerous drug, specifically methamphetamine; and one charge of second-degree escape after the Jan. 6 domestic incident.

Lataja Andrade was arrested on Nov. 26, after she was found in possession of Ford Fusion reported stolen in August.

Paul Banashihan Jr. was employed by the program when the offenses occurred in April 2018.

Acting Lt. Elarionoff was honored for his efforts in leading investigations that successfully interrupted two high-end drug trafficking organizations.

The couple is facing class A felony charges, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

33-year-old Gilbert K. Mata III is charged with first-degree criminal property damage, first-degree theft and several other offenses in connection with the incident that happened Sunday and started at a residence in Hawaiian Paradise Park.

41-year-old Godfrey Paul Leopoldino made his initial court appearance on Thursday in South Hilo District Court. His bail was maintained at $197,000 and it was determined there was probable cause for his further detention.