‘Level 3 drug pusher,’ two others fall

CEBU, Philippines - A level-three drug pusher was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City Wednesday evening.

Roderick Casas, 25, was apprehended around 11:50 p.m. in a joint operation of the City Intelligence Branch and the City Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Casas was arrested after receiving the P200 marked money from a police poseur-buyer in exchange of one small heat-sealed transparent plastic pack containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.

Also recovered from Casas were 20 pieces of small heat-sealed transparent plastic packs of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P4,000.

CAIDSOTG chief, Senior Inspector Eunil Avergonzado, said they have placed Casas under surveillance for two weeks after receiving several calls from a concerned citizen about the suspect’s illegal activities.

Included on the watch list of the police, Casas could reportedly dispose of 50 grams of illegal drugs every week.

Avergonzado said Casas has not admitted where he gets his supply of illegal drugs and that most of his clients include college students and workers.

Casas will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

The police also arrested Jeffrey Abarquez, 23, and Billy Joel Rabadon, 20, who were with Casas during the operation.

Abarquez was arrested with one hand-rolled aluminum tin foil used as improvised tooter, one aluminum strip and one disposable lighter in his possession.

The police seized one home-made 357 cal. revolver from Rabadon who will face charges for violating Republic Act 10581 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Avergonzado said they are still investigating the suspects for possible involvement in other crimes due to the recovered firearm.  (FREEMAN)