Hawaii County police raided two cockfights in Puna on Sunday and arrested and charged a 55-year-old man with animal cruelty.

Police said 100 people scattered when officers arrived at the first cockfight on 38th Avenue in the Orchidland Estates subdivision.

The officers with a search warrant found 19 dead roosters and four uninjured roosters. They also recovered 61.2 grams of dried, processed marijuana buds.

They arrested Christopher C. Velasco, who lives on the property, and charged him with 23 counts of animal cruelty. Bail was set at $11,500. Police are investigating others involved in the illegal operation.

Police also broke up a cockfight at a makeshift arena at Lehua Street in the Fern Acres subdivision where there were about 80 people present.

Officers found 3.1 grams of crystal methamphetamine abandoned next to the arena, police said.

Anyone with information concerning cockfights is asked to call the vice hot line at 934-VICE.