Hawaii Island Couple Arrested After Police Seize Meth, Cocaine, and $13K in Cash

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A couple from Puna, Hawaii Island, has been arrested after police found illegal drugs, cash, and luxury items during a raid on their home in Hawaiian Paradise Park.

Bruce Lee, 62, and his wife Starlene Lee, 59, are facing multiple drug-related charges after officers carried out a residential narcotics search warrant on Friday. The operation, part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal drug activity in the area, resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, cocaine, liquid steroids, drug paraphernalia, and over $13,000 in cash.

Police reports confirmed that investigators recovered approximately 3.7 ounces (around 106 grams) of methamphetamine and 27.86 grams of cocaine. Officers also found various types of liquid steroids, digital scales, and resealable plastic packets, items commonly used in the packaging and distribution of illegal substances.

In addition to the drugs, authorities discovered over $175,000 worth of gold jewellery, raising suspicions about the scale of the alleged operation being run out of the residential property.

Multiple Charges Filed

Bruce Lee has been charged with several serious offences under state law in Hawaii. These include promoting a dangerous drug in the first degree, which relates to possessing over one ounce of methamphetamine. He also faces two counts of attempting to promote a dangerous drug in the first degree, for allegedly attempting to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine in quantities that meet or exceed one-eighth of an ounce.

Additional charges include promoting a dangerous drug in the second degree for cocaine possession, promoting a harmful drug in the third degree, and promoting a detrimental drug in the second degree, likely tied to the steroids and other controlled substances found during the raid.

Both promoting and attempting to promote a dangerous drug in the first degree are class A felonies. According to officials, these charges carry a maximum penalty of either 20 years in prison or, in some cases, 10 years of probation and up to two years in jail.

Starlene Lee, who is also facing related charges, has been released on a $325,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in Hilo District Court on August 28.

While further details have not yet been shared, authorities are continuing to investigate the full extent of the suspected drug operation. The cash and jewellery found are believed to be connected to the proceeds of illegal drug sales, although no official statement has confirmed this.

The case underscores the Hawaii Police Department’s ongoing efforts to tackle drug distribution and related criminal activity in local neighbourhoods. Officers have not ruled out additional arrests or further action as part of this investigation.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact local authorities.