48 year-old Chico Martines of Hilo, who was on federal probation at the time, was arrested and charged for attempted distribution of methamphetamine and marijuana concentrate as well as numerous firearm related offenses. According to police, Area I Vice officers executed a search warrant upon his residence, located near Hilo Intermediate School, and recovered over 110 grams of methamphetamine, 70 grams of marijuana concentrate, drug paraphernalia, a loaded Taurus 9mm semiautomatic pistol with a high-capacity magazine, and ammunition.

As the Complaint alleges, Martines is charged with Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (possess an ounce or more of methamphetamine), Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (attempted distribution of one-eighth ounce or more of methamphetamine), Promoting a Harmful Drug in the First Degree (possess an ounce or more of marijuana concentrate), Attempted Promoting a Harmful Drug in the First Degree (attempted distribution of one-eighth ounce or more of marijuana concentrate), Promoting a Controlled Substance In, On or Near Schools (Hilo Intermediate School and/or Hilo High School), Ownership or Possession of Firearm Prohibited, Ownership or Possession of Ammunition Prohibited, Ownership Prohibited (detachable ammunition magazine with a capacity in excess of ten rounds), and Alteration of Identification Marks Prohibited. The most serious offenses, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, Promoting a Harmful Drug in the First Degree, and Attempted Promoting a Harmful Drug in the First Degree are all class A felony offenses which carry a penalty of either a twenty-year prison term or ten years probation and up to twenty-four months in jail.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Detective Keith Simeona of the Area I Vice Section at (808) 961-2340, or via email at Keith.Simeona@hawaiicounty.gov

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