Police Arrest Two in Pepeʻekeo Drug Bust

Police arrested a man and woman in Pepe`ekeo on Thursday, August 22 when Vice officers served a search warrant on their home on Ka`apepa Street.

During execution of a narcotics search warrant, officers recovered 35.5 grams of crystal methamphetamine along with paraphernalia associated with its distribution. Police also recovered a 2006 Dodge 2500 diesel truck, a 2001 Toyota Camry, a 1995 Honda two-door hatchback and its trailer, and $5,751 in cash for forfeiture.

31-year-old Ryland Uchima and 30-year-old Kaycie DeMotta were taken into custody at the scene.

At 12:30 p.m. Friday, August 23, police charged Uchima with attempted first-degree meth trafficking, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and two counts of drug paraphernalia. His bail was set at $56,000. Uchima is being held at the Hilo police cellblock pending his initial court appearance scheduled for Monday.

DeMotta was released pending further investigation.