Acting on complaints by residents, police yesterday raided a senior citizen apartment complex in Hale'iwa and arrested two men for investigation of crystal methamphetamine trafficking and other alleged crimes.

The suspects are not senior citizens, the building manager said. They live there on a disability income, which is another way to qualify for the Hale'iwa Senior Citizen Housing complex on Pa'ala'a Road, a government-supported complex.

"Every time there's been a problem, it's always been the younger people and it's always been with drugs," manager Richard Husted said. About 15 of the tenants are under 62, he said.

Husted said he's been after the police to do something since he took over management of the 60-unit complex five years ago. Police came one time and spoke to several alleged drug dealers and users but yesterday was the first time a sting operation was set up since Husted took charge, he said.

On two occasions, undercover officers bought crystal meth and cocaine from the suspects, police said.

More than a dozen police officers raided the complex about 6:15 a.m. yesterday and entered a first-floor apartment. Officers recovered several packets of crystal meth, marijuana and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Husted said he believes the raid will make the complex safer.

When he took the job, seniors were afraid to go outside, especially at night when people would come at all hours looking for drugs, Husted said.

"I was expecting this to happen three or four weeks ago," he said. "I'm elated."

The operation was run by Lt. David Passmore of the police narcotics and vice division.

"We try to dismantle drug trafficking organizations," said Maj. Kevin Lima, who heads the division. "It's about addressing community concerns. My thanks go out to the people who provided the information that helped us infiltrate this group."

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com and Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.