Man faces felony charges after police seize drugs

Pills suspected to contain fentanyl

WAILUKU — A Makawao man is facing felony drug charges after being arrested last week when police reported seizing more than 400 pills suspected of containing the opioid fentanyl.

Jose Camacho, 29, was charged with first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, two counts of second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, three counts of possessing drug paraphernalia, attempted first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, second-degree promotion of a harmful drug and promoting a controlled substance near a school.

Police said the blue pills stamped “M30” were recovered during an investigation Friday. A presumptive laboratory test showed the pills are fentanyl, police said.

During Camacho’s initial appearance Monday in Wailuku District Court, Deputy Prosecutor Tracy Jones asked for bail to remain at the $250,000 set by police.

“The police sought high bail in this case based on the dangerousness of the drugs which were recovered,” she said.

Police said fentanyl is a powerful opioid that is 80 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Police also reported obtaining information that several people had overdosed on a blue pill last month.

Jones said Camacho arranged to meet an undercover police officer for the sale of 53 of the pills.

He agreed to allow police to search his residence near Makawao Elementary School, “leading to the recovery of the rest of the pills, as well as a significant amount of crystal methampethamine and the recovery of some butane honey oil,” Jones said.

Camacho asked for his bail to reduced to an amount he could post, with Deputy Public Defender William Pannell saying Camacho’s girlfriend was set to give birth to a child today.

“I don’t believe Mr. Camacho is a danger to society,” Pannell said. “He was very cooperative with police.”

Judge Blaine Kobayashi said he “completely” disagreed with Camacho’s position.

“I can think of no greater danger than bringing that amount of drugs into the community and poisoning our community,” Kobayashi said.

Jones said Camacho is a drug dealer.

“These are bootleg pills,” most likely from Mexico, she said.

“We’re hoping he remains in custody, given the circumstances,” she said.

She asked that Camacho be ordered not to consume or possess illegal drugs or alcohol, to have no contact with anyone possessing drugs or paraphernalia and to stay away from

Makawao Elementary School.

Jones also asked that if Camacho posts bail to be released, he provide proof that the funds are from legitimate assets.

“He may have access to funds that are not legitimate,” she said.

Judge Kobayashi kept bail at $250,000 and ordered the conditions sought by the prosecution, except for the requirement to provide proof of legitimate assets. He said that request could be made again.