Puna Woman Held on $1 Million Bail in Heroin Bust

An Orchidland woman was being held at Hawaii Community Correctional Center today in lieu of $1 million bail after being charged last week for allegedly possessing a pound of heroin.

Police today said that Cathrine R. Kessaris, 58, was arrested Thursday after a search warrant was executed on a Melekule Street home. Police said in addition to the heroin they recovered digital scales, packaging materials, two firearms and $5,200 in cash.

Kessaris was one of two woman arrested at the home. The other woman, a 52-year-old Keaau resident, was released without charges. She was not identified.

Kessaris was charged Friday with promoting a dangerous drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and a firearms violation.