Alleged drug trafficker pleads not guilty

KEALAKEKUA — Richard Castro, the man arrested on charges of carrying large quantities of drugs when he was arrested Feb. 5 at the Queen K. Tesoro in Kailua-Kona, saw his bond drop by $271,000 following his initial appearance before 3rd Circuit Court Judge Melvin Fujino on Monday.

Castro, 52, pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree meth trafficking, first-degree promoting a dangerous drug, second-degree promoting a dangerous drug, third-degree promoting a dangerous drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal place to keep ammunition.

Wendy DeWeese, deputy public defender, cited a private discussion with Fujino in his chambers for her request to lower bail from $371,000 to $100,000. The state did not object, and Fujino agreed. He was going to order electronic monitoring for Castro, if he makes bond, but 24 Hour Bail Bonds offered to do so instead.

Castro, who has no permanent address, also was listed as residing at a woman’s home in Captain Cook for the duration of the case.

Castro is next due in court at 4 p.m. April 7 for a pre-trial conference.

Castro was arrested Feb. 5 following a traffic stop in Kona initiated by Area II Vice officers who observed a man in Castro’s passenger seat who was wanted in connection with an unrelated narcotics investigation.

When officers approached the vehicle, they reportedly observed paraphernalia associated with methamphetamine use inside Castro’s vehicle.

The next day, police executed a search warrant on the SUV and reportedly recovered 60.4 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, 15.5 grams of suspected cocaine, 14.5 grams of suspected heroin, 10.6 grams of suspected marijuana, paraphernalia associated with narcotics use and distribution, one unspent 0.32 caliber round and $4,174 in cash for forfeiture.

Email Graham Milldrum at gmilldrum@westhawaiitoday.com.