Fentanyl Arrests and Recovery Stats for August 2024

Media Release

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

Island-wide during the month of August 2024, there was a total of five fentanyl related arrests. Police recovered a total of 1.2 grams of illicit fentanyl last month; 1 fentanyl pill was recovered during that time.

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 Hawaiʻi Police Department in August 2024 was enough to kill 600 Hawaiʻi Island residents.

Hawaiʻi Police Department is committed to fighting drugs on island and apprehending those that distribute and sell illegal narcotics. In recent years, the use of illicit fentanyl has reached epidemic proportions on the mainland and Hawaiʻi. Criminal drug networks are mixing this dangerous synthetic opioid into illegal counterfeit pills and selling them as legitimate prescription pills, often with deadly consequences.

Fentanyl safety tips

See fentanyl safety tips, how to recognize fentanyl poisoning, and more.

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, Hawaiʻi Police Department encourages you to call our 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.