MEDIA RELEASE

Grad Elarionoff

Elarionoff was honored for his investigation of a 28-year-old man who was distributing large quantities of cocaine in the Kona District. Because of Elarionoff’s efforts, vice officers served a search warrant at the man’s house and recovered cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and firearms—including one that had been reported stolen. Police also seized $6,000 in cash and $132,000 in merchandise for forfeiture from the home. Additional search warrants led to the forfeiture of another $7,600 in drug money.

The 28-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were arrested and charged with numerous drug and firearms offenses and with endangering the welfare of a minor.

Police estimate the street value of drugs recovered during the investigation at $222,000.

“Officer Elarionoff continues to make an impact in the narcotics community,” said Detective Sherry Bird from the Ice Task Force, who recommended him for the award. “He continues to have a positive attitude, friendly personality and is always available to teach others who have a desire to learn more about narcotics investigations.”

As “Officer of the Month,” Elarionoff is eligible to become “Officer of the Year.”

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee is an organization that encourages community involvement in aiding and supporting police in West Hawai’i.