HILO, Hawaii (AP) - A former Hawaii County Police Department employee is under investigation after authorities discovered missing drug evidence last fall.
The department said on Thursday that it started its investigation in October 2017 after a portion of cocaine seized as evidence in 2014 was determined to be missing.
The discrepancy was discovered when the evidence was being weighed in preparation to utilize a small quantity of the cocaine for training purposes.
An employee identified as a person of interest was placed on leave without pay. Subsequent audits found that other drugs were missing from evidence, including marijuana concentrate.
Police said the employee has since retired.
A criminal investigation has been referred to the county prosecutor’s office.
Police declined comment on the case because it has been turned over to prosecutors.
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