A Hilo man is facing an array of drug offenses after police reportedly turned up a litany of illicit drugs, including more than three pounds of methamphetamine and lesser amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana during the execution of a search warrant last week at a Hilo home.
Richard Kualii Kamau was arrested Thursday after officers executed a narcotics search warrant at a residence in the Panaewa Hawaiian Homes Subdivision in Hilo, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
During the search of the residence, police reportedly recovered 1,434.2 grams (3.16 pounds) of methamphetamine, 50.5 grams of cocaine, 12 grams of fentanyl, 26 live marijuana plants, 341.9 grams of dried marijuana, ammunition, various drug paraphernalia, and illegal fireworks. Officers also recovered $4,385 in cash.
Police said Kamau was arrested on suspicion of two counts first-degree promoting a dangerous drug; three counts each of attempted first-degree promoting a dangerous drug and promoting a controlled substance near a public park; and one count each second-degree promoting a dangerous drug, first-degree promoting a detrimental drug, second-degree promoting a detrimental drug, ownership prohibited ammunition, and fireworks license or permit required.
The Hawaii Police Department and Hawaii County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney said in a release the case will be prosecuted in federal court with the U.S. Attorney’s Office picking up the case. Neither the state Judiciary nor the federal court database had cases generated from the Thursday arrest as of press-time Sunday.
Kamau was free on bail in connection with an unrelated case dating to March at the time of his arrest Thursday.
In that case, he faces three counts each of being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition, illegally carrying a firearm and ammunition, two counts each of possessing a firearm without a serial number and third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, plus possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony drug offense, second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, fourth-degree promotion of a harmful drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving with an expired license.
He was due back in court in October for a change of plea hearing.
