Hawaii Island man indicted on multiple charges after authorities execute narcotics search warrant

KAILUA-KONA (HawaiiNewsNow) – A Kona grand jury indicted a Kailua-Kona man Thursday on drug and firearms charges after a multiagency investigation and searches led to his arrest last month.

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Luis Pagano Colon, 45, was indicted following the April 22 execution of narcotics search warrants in an interagency effort.

The Hawaii Police Department worked with Homeland Security Investigations, the DEA, and the FBI to search the suspect’s residence and vehicle.

Authorities reportedly recovered suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, and a loaded 9mm pistol with high-capacity magazines and ammunition, including two 50-round drum magazines, and more than three pounds of suspected marijuana during the search.

Colon made his initial court appearance April 27, in Kona District Court, where a judge reduced bail, from $288,000 to $150,000, despite the prosecution’s objections.

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Colon, who posted bail, appeared Wednesday in Kona Circuit Court on the indictment warrant; a jury trial is scheduled for Sept. 8.

Colon is charged with multiple drug counts, including first-degree promoting a dangerous drug and first-degree promoting a detrimental drug, as well as commercial promotion of marijuana in the second degree and several firearms and ammunition offenses.

The most serious charge — possession of a firearm with intent to facilitate the commission of a felony drug offense — is a Class A felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

The investigation was led by Detective Chandler Nacino, of HPD’s VICE-West Section.

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The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Camden Bisson.