Hawai’i Police made 22 fentanyl-related arrests in first four months of 2023

For the first four months of 2023, the Hawaiʻi Police Department made 22 fentanyl-related arrests, recovering 383 grams of fentanyl and 598 fentanyl pills.

This is the first of monthly statistics about fentanyl that the police say they will issue to the public in an effort to continue community outreach about the dangers of this drug.

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.

Street names, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, include: Apace, China Girl, China Town, Dance Fever, Friend, Goodfellas, Great Bear, He-Man, Jackpot, King Ivory, Murder 8, Poison and Tango & Cash.

The use of illicit fentanyl has reached epidemic proportions on the mainland and Hawai‘i. Criminal drug networks are mixing this dangerous synthetic opioid into illegal counterfeit pills and selling them as legitimate prescription pills, often with deadly consequences.

“By proactively issuing monthly statistics on fentanyl arrests and the amount of fentanyl recovered, Big Island residents can monitor the department’s commitment to eradicating this drug from our communities,” Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz said. “What’s more, people can keep track of accurate data themselves, rather than relying on rumors or potentially misleading claims.”

For fentanyl safety tips and how to recognize fentanyl poisoning, click here.

If you have information relating to illicit drug use and distribution, or about vice issues including prostitution and gambling, call the East Hawaiʻi or West Hawaiʻi Vice Sections 24-hour anonymous vice/drug tip hotline:

• West Hawai’i: 808-ZERO-ICE or 808-329-0423 for information pertaining to districts of Kaʻū, Kona, South Kohala and North Kohala.
• East Hawai’i: 808-934-VICE or 808-934-8423 for information pertaining to districts of Puna, South Hilo, North Hilo and Hāmākua.

When you call, you will be asked to provide information. You do not have to provide your 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 you are 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.