The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recently named Officer Collin Roberts as its 2024 Police Officer of the Year.
Officer Roberts has worked in Kona Patrol since completing his field training following his graduation from the department’s 95th recruit class in June 2022. While on patrol in Kona on the night of February 22, Officer Roberts observed a woman suspected of being a narcotics distributor driving a vehicle with an expired registration.
After conducting a traffic stop, on the vehicle driven by the woman and a male passenger, Officer Roberts observed a piece of tin foil, which had a burnt yellow/brown residue on it as well as a small transparent jar that contained a clear crystalline substance recognized to be methamphetamine.
While Officer Roberts placed the pair under arrest, he located a clear zip-type baggy containing what looked to be fentanyl from the pocket of the male passenger. The bag contents later tested presumptive positive for fentanyl.
During the ensuing investigation, Area II Vice officers searched the car and recovered 5.1 grams of powdered fentanyl, 1.4 grams of methamphetamine, and three morphine pills. As the investigation progressed, police learned that the woman had received a Fed-Ex package containing 26.7 grams of powdered fentanyl. Police were able to locate and recover the Fed-Ex package.
As a result of this investigation, the female driver was charged with second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, two counts of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, prohibited acts related to drug paraphernalia, and no motor vehicle insurance. The male passenger was charged with third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and prohibited acts relating to drug paraphernalia.
The total amount of fentanyl recovered as a result of this investigation was enough to kill 15,900 Hawai‘i Island residents.
Officer Roberts was named Officer of the Month for June 2024. He was also recognized as KCPC Officer of the Month in October 2023 for his extra efforts apprehending suspects while off-duty.
HPD Photo