Total 783 Pot Plants Recovered in Separate Big Island Raids

By Wendy Osher

Big Island Police recovered a total of 783 marijuana plants and charged two people in separate, unrelated cases this week.

The first search warrant was served on Monday, August 1, at a property in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision of Puna; the second was served on Tuesday, August 2, at a home in Honokaʻa.

In the Paradise Park incident, officers recovered 188 marijuana plants, most of which were located on adjacent properties. Authorities also recovered seven unregistered firearms and 252 prescription pills consisting of methadone, Diazepam, Hydrocodone and other pharmaceutical drugs.

Shonna Soares. Courtesy photo.

Officers arrested Shonna Soares, 35, who lives at that address. She was charged with multiple drug offenses including promotion of a dangerous drug, and various firearm offenses. Soares was being held at the Hilo police cellblock pending her initial court appearance, with bail set at $49,000.

Chad A. Soares Sr. Courtesy photo.

Police are also seeking Chad A. Soares Sr., 44, in connection with the investigation. He is described as 5-foot-9, weighing 200 pounds with brown eyes and black balding hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Thomas Sullivan. Courtey Photo.

In the Honokaʻa investigation, police served a search warrant at a home on Kahana Drive. During the search, authorities arrested Thomas Sullivan, 61, on various drug offenses.  Sullivan was being held at the Hilo police cellblock pending his initial court appearance, with bail set at $39,000.

In the Honokaʻa incident, officers  discovered an indoor-outdoor marijuana operation, and recovered 595 marijuana plants, as well as approximately 10 pounds of dry processed marijuana, 25.5 grams of marijuana hashish, two unregistered firearms, a digital scale and indoor growing equipment.

Both search warrants were the result of aerial observation and information and tips from the public.

Big Island police have Vice-Drug Tip hotlines set up in which the public can report suspected drug operations.  The phone numbers to call are 934-8423 in Hilo or 329-0423 in Kona.