In June 2025, there were six fentanyl-related arrests across Hawai‘i Island. Authorities seized 9.08 grams of fentanyl, including four pills suspected to contain the drug. A lethal dose is about two milligrams, roughly the size of a few grains of salt, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
The Hawaii Police Department reported 19 fentanyl-related arrests in the first half of 2025 and seized 675.46 grams of the drug, an amount estimated to be fatal to over 337,730 people. In June, the quantity recovered could have affected up to 4,540 residents of Hawai‘i Island. Fentanyl is being mixed with other substances and sold as prescription pills.
The Hawaii Police Department offers fentanyl safety tips on their website, including how to recognize signs of poisoning and general drug safety information. Hawaii Police Department asks the public to report any information about illegal drug activity through anonymous hotlines. For Ka‘ū and Kona, the number is (808) 329-“ZERO-ICE,” and for Puna and South Hilo, it is (808) 934-“VICE.” Hawaii Police Departmen states that even “small” pieces of information can be the “missing link” that helps detectives take action.
