7.7 Pounds of Meth Found in Hilo Drug Bust

Richard Theodore Frias of Mountain View, Hawaiʻi Island. Photo courtesy Hawaiʻi Police Department.

By Maui Now Staff

Hawaiʻi Island police arrested and charged a Puna man with meth trafficking and other offenses during the execution of a search warrant on a home in Hilo on Friday, Feb. 20, 2015.

Police say 31-year-old Richard Theodore Frias of Mountain View was one of three men arrested Friday afternoon at the Alaloa Road in Waiākea Ūka.

During the bust, police say they recovered 7.75 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, paraphernalia associated with the distribution of meth, an unregistered handgun, two unregistered rifles and $5,700 in cash.

Police also arrested Christopher Manukai Mae, 32, and Waylon Thomas, 35, both of Hilo, on suspicion of drug offenses.

Frias was charged with first-degree meth trafficking, possession of drug paraphernalia and three weapons offenses.  He was being held in lieu of $1 million bail with an initial court appearance scheduled for today, Monday, Feb. 23, 2015.

Detectives continue to investigate drug offenses in connection with Thomas and Mae.