Musician Arrested at Kahului Airport on Suspicion of Drug Offenses

Clifford Darren Benitez.

A Waianae man was arrested at Kahului Airport on Sunday night after police say they recovered suspected crystal methamphetamine and other drug related paraphernalia.

Maui police say Clifford Darren Benitez, 50, was arrested for alleged third degree promotion of a dangerous drug and prohibited acts related to to drug paraphernalia.

Police were summoned to the airport at 11:20 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15, after a screener with the Transportation Security Administration reported the suspected contraband while conducting a search of belongings owned by Benitez.

Benitez was processed and released from the Wailuku Police Station.

Benitez is also a well known musician in the islands.