KAILUA-KONA — A traffic stop over the weekend led to the recovery of a loaded gun as well as thousands of dollars worth heroin and methamphetamine, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
The incident occurred at 9:28 p.m. Sunday when a Hawaii Police Department officer stopped a motorist at Hale Makai Place for an alleged traffic violation.
When a firearm was seen inside the vehicle, the motorist, later identified as 44-year-old John Patrick Rapozo, was taken into custody. A search warrant for the car was granted.
The search yielded 7.8 grams heroin, valued at about $1,600 and 5.7 ounces of methamphetamine, valued at approximately $6,800, according to Maj. Robert Wagner.
Wagner said the firearm was a loaded 9 mm handgun.
Rapozo was booked on charges of first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony drug offense.
Rapozo appeared in Kona District Court Tuesday for an initial appearance. Bail was maintained at $80,000. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday.