Police arrest 2 over suspected cockfight

Police reported seizing more than $160,000 in cash, along with gambling ledgers and paraphernalia, from an illegal cockfighting derby attended by 300 to 400 people last month on Molokai.

Molokai police, vice and Special Response Team officers executed warrants at 11 a.m. May 8 to search the fight promoter, his associate and his premises where people, including some from off island, were attending the derby, police said.

Police reported recovering gambling ledgers, tickets, notes, gambling paraphernalia and a plastic container found ringside and holding $120,310. Another $4,990 was recovered from the promoter, police said.

Police records show a 51year-old man and a 40-year-old woman, both Hoolehua residents, were arrested on suspicion of multiple gambling charges.

Police said the case was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for review.