Hawai‘i Island police: Fentanyl arrests and recovery statistics for May

As part of its continuing community outreach about the dangers of fentanyl, the Hawai‘i Police Department provides monthly updates on the amount of fentanyl-related arrests (possession/distribution) in Hawai‘i County and the quantity of fentanyl recovered for the preceding month.

During the month of May 2024, there was a total of 10 fentanyl related arrests: Nine in Area I (East Hawai‘i) and one in Area II (West Hawai‘i). Police recovered a total of 31.25 grams of illicit fentanyl last month, including 21.65 grams in Area I and 9.6 grams in Area II.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, just two milligrams of illicit fentanyl, equal to a couple grains of salt, is a lethal dose. The 31.25 total grams of illicit fentanyl recovered by Hawai‘i Police Department in May 2024 was enough to kill 15,625 Hawai‘i Island residents.

The Hawai‘i Police Department also recovered a total of 137 fentanyl pills, with 137 pills recovered in Area I and zero recovered in Area II. Last month police also recovered nine transdermal fentanyl patches in Area I as well.

In recent years, 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, according to the Hawai‘i Police Department.

Fentanyl safety tips

For fentanyl safety tips, how to recognize fentanyl poisoning, and more, go to the Hawai‘i Police Department’s website: https://www.hawaiipolice.com/services/crime-tips#fentanyl.

Have a drug tip? HPD wants to hear from you.

If you have information relating to illicit drug use and distribution, as well as vice issues such as prostitution, gambling and other related crimes, the Hawai‘i Police Department encourages you to call its East Hawaiʻi and West Hawaiʻi vice sections’ 24-hour anonymous vice/drug tip hotline.

What number do I call?

808-329-“ZERO-ICE” 808-329-0423 — Information pertaining to districts of Kaʻū, Kona, South Kohala and North Kohala.

808-934-“VICE” 808-934-8423 — Information pertaining to districts of Puna, South Hilo and Hāmākua.

How does the hotline work?

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.

What happens to the information I provide?

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.