Hawai‘i Police Department vice detectives charged a 58-year-old Hakalau man last week for several drug offenses stemming from a search warrant executed at a residence in Hakalau.

Personnel from the Area I Vice Section executed a narcotics search warrant on Thursday, April 29, 2021, and recovered 1.1 grams of methamphetamine, heroin residue, methamphetamine smoking pipes, drug paraphernalia, and ammunition.

On Friday, April 30, after conferring with County prosecutors, Stanley “Tosh” Richard Bento was charged with two counts of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, prohibited acts related to drug paraphernalia, and two counts of ownership prohibited (ammunition). Bento’s bail was set at $70,000 and he appeared for an initial hearing Monday, May 3, in South Hilo District Court.

Police continue to urge the public to call the vice/drug tip hotline at (808) 934-VICE (8423) with information relating to illicit drug use and distribution, as well as vice-related issues, including gambling, prostitution, and other related crimes. The hotline is available 24-hours and is anonymous. You can find more information at https://www.hawaiipolice.com/vicedrug-tip-hotline.