Drug bust in Hakalau

Police charged a 58-year-old Hakalau man with drug offenses after a search warrant served on his home Thursday turned up a 1.1 grams of methamphetamine, heroin residue, meth pipes, drug paraphernalia and ammunition.

Stanley “Tosh” Richard Bento was charged Friday with two counts of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts being a felon in possession of ammunition.

Bento’s bail of $70,000 was confirmed Monday by Hilo District Judge Bruce Larson, who ordered Bento to appear today for a preliminary hearing.

Police urge the public to call the vice/drug tip hotline at 934-VICE (8423) with information relating to illicit drug use and distribution, as well as gambling, prostitution and other related crimes. The hotline is available 24-hours and is anonymous.