Fentanyl Arrests and Recovery Stats for Dec. 2024

As part of its continuing community outreach about the dangers of fentanyl, Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) 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.

Island-wide during the month of December 2024, there were two fentanyl related arrests. Police recovered a total of 0.81 grams of illicit fentanyl last month; two fentanyl pills were 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 0.81 total gram of illicit fentanyl recovered by Hawai‘i Police Department in December 2024 was enough to kill 405 Hawai‘i Island residents.

From January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, Hawai‘i Police Department:

• Recovered 562.94 grams of illicit fentanyl
• Arrested 50 individuals for fentanyl related offenses
• Recovered 5,664.5 illicit fentanyl pills

The 562.94 grams of illicit fentanyl Hawai‘i Police Department recovered in 2024 was enough to potentially kill 281,470 people; the equivalent of every resident on Hawai‘i Island and 98 percent of all residents on the island of Kaua‘i combined.  

Hawai‘i 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 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.

Fentanyl safety tips

For fentanyl safety tips, how to recognize fentanyl poisoning, and more, please go to HPD’s website: https://www.hawaiipolice.gov/services/crime-prevention-and-safety-tips/fentanyl-safety-tips/.

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, Hawai‘i 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.