BIG ISLAND POLICE COMBAT 'ICE' ACTIVITY WITH ANONYMOUS HOT LINES

HILO -- Big Island police have set up two drug hot lines to fight the spread
of the drug methamphetamine, also known as ice.

Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna said the department welcomes calls that may
have just a small bit of information.

"It may provide detectives with the missing link they need to take action,"
he said.

The Hilo number is 934-VICE (934-8423). The Kona number is 329-0ICE
(329-0423).

The numbers may also be used to report vice activity such as gambling or
prostitution, Mahuna said. Anonymous callers will be given a tracking number
to protect their identity.

Callers should be prepared to give information on the location of the
offense, description of vehicles and description of people.

The hot lines are a continuation of "Operation Meltdown," in which eight
sites were raided and 21 people were arrested Jan. 8, Mahuna said.

Police seized 10.5 ounces of ice, 13.3 ounces of cocaine, 34 marijuana
plants, 7 ounces of dried marijuana and various paraphernalia in those
raids. They also seized six firearms, an automobile and $6,083 in cash.