Hawai‘i Island police report a decline in the amount of fentanyl recovered on the Big Island in August compared to July.
In its monthly report, police indicate 1.2 grams of the illicit drug was recovered in August including one pill. Additionally, five people were arrested in connection to the synthetic opioid.
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, just two milligrams of illicit fentanyl, equal to a couple grains of salt, is a lethal dose. The 1.2 total grams of illicit fentanyl recovered by Hawai‘i Police Department in August 2024 was enough to kill 600 Hawai‘i Island residents.
In July, there was a total of four fentanyl-related arrests. Police recovered a total of 7.66 grams of illicit fentanyl last month, enough to kill 3,830 Hawai‘i Island residents; no fentanyl pills were recovered during that time.
“In recent years, the use of illicit fentanyl has reached epidemic proportions on the mainland and Hawai‘i,” police state in a press release. “Criminal drug networks are mixing this dangerous synthetic opioid into illegal counterfeit pills and selling them as legitimate prescription pills, often with deadly consequences.
For fentanyl safety tips, how to recognize fentanyl poisoning, and more, click here.
The public is encouraged to call East Hawaiʻi and West Hawaiʻi Vice Sections 24-hour anonymous vice/drug tip hotline with information related to illicit drug use and distribution, as well as prostitution, gambling, and other related crimes.
Those with information within Kaʻū, Kona, South Kohala, and North Kohala Districts can call 808-329-0423.
Those with information within Puna, South Hilo, and Hāmākua Districts can call 808-934-8423.
