CIDG apprehends alleged pusher

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged drug pusher nearly had a heart attack after he was apprehended by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Central Visayas early morning yesterday at Barangay Saac Buaya, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Lito Casio, 37, who just woke up when the police stormed his house at 7 a.m., was shocked to see a search warrant against him for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the Firearms Law.

Chief Inspector Germano Mallari, who headed the operation, told The FREEMAN that they have been monitoring the suspect for about four weeks before the search warrant was issued by Mandaue City Judge Marilyn Lagura-Yap of Regional Trial Court Branch 28 on November 22, 2011.

Mallari further said that their surveillance was through at tip they received from a concerned citizen regarding Casio’s illegal drug operations in the said area.

 During the arrest, Casio reportedly did not resist after he was surrounded by operatives from the CIDG Central Visayas.

The confiscated drugs estimated to be worth P30, 000 included three small sachets and four medium-sized sachets of white crystalline substance. Also recovered from the suspect were five live ammunitions and a magazine all from a 9mm.

“Among gipangita asa iyang pusil apan miingon siya nga iya na kuno nabaligya (We asked the suspect where his gun was but he said that he already sold it),” Mallari said.

Casio told The FREEMAN that he is innocent, adding that he has been maintaining a small sari-sari store for over 10 years near their house as the source of their finances. He is reportedly a relative of one of the councilmen of the said barangay.

 “Hapit gyud ko gi-atake og high-blood sa ilang pag dakop nako kay na kuratan ma ko sa ilang pag-abot,” said Casio.

However, investigators said that the suspect’s small sari-sari store located near the suspect’s house might simply be a front for his illegal activities. Casio is currently detained at the CIDG Central Visayas stockade.  (FREEMAN)