Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo man, 36 year-old Aysa Kalei Delos Santos, was arrested and charged with offenses related to the attempted distribution of methamphetamine, driving under the influence, and possession of prohibited anabolic steroids. The police reports allege that Delos Santos’ arrest stems from a routine traffic stop on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo on September 17, 2023. Following the execution of a narcotics search warrant on Delos Santos’ vehicle, VICE officers recovered 265.97 grams or over a half pound of methamphetamine which was broken down into nine separate packets each containing approximately one ounce of methamphetamine, various drug paraphernalia, four vials the contents of which are presumed to be anabolic steroids, hydrocodone pills, and over $4,400 in U.S. currency.

Delos Santos is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Tuesday afternoon. He remains in custody in lieu of $113,000.00 bail.

As the Complaint alleges, Delos Santos was charged with six offenses including Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (attempt to distribute one-eighth ounce or more of methamphetamine), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (knowingly possess one ounce or more of methamphetamine), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any dangerous drug, hydrocodone), Promoting a Harmful Drug in the Fourth Degree (possess any harmful drug, testosterone and/or trenbolone), Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia, and Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant. The most serious charges, Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree and Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree are both class A felony offenses punishable by either a twenty-year prison term or ten years probation and up to two years in jail.

The charges are merely allegations and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The traffic stop and arrest was made by Officer Kris Palea, South Hilo Patrol, and the felony drug investigation was led by Detective Kelly Moniz, Area I VICE Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.