As part of its continuing community outreach about the dangers of fentanyl, the Hawai‘i County Police Department (HPD) provides monthly updates on the number of County fentanyl related arrests (possession/distribution) quantity as well as the amount fentanyl recovered for the preceding month.

During the month of May 2024, there was a total of 10 fentanyl related arrests, 9 in Area I (east Hawai‘i) and one in Area II (west Hawai‘i). Police recovered a total of 31.25 grams of illicit fentanyl last month, including 21.65 grams in Area I and 9.6 grams in Area II.

During the same month, the Hawai‘i County Police Department also recovered a total of 137 fentanyl pills, all recovered in Area I. Last month police also recovered nine transdermal fentanyl patches in Area I as well.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, just two milligrams of illicit fentanyl, equal to a couple grains of salt, is a lethal dose. The 142.7 total grams of illicit fentanyl recovered by Hawai‘i Police Department in April 2024 was enough to kill 50,000 Hawai‘i Island residents.

For fentanyl safety tips visit https://www.hawaiipolice.com/services/crime-tips#fentanyl.

AP Photo