CEBU, Philippines - A man who was arrested at a checkpoint in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City, was later found out to be a bigtime drug pusher in Carigara, Leyte.
Loreto Bayno, a native of Carigara, Leyte, was arrested after trying to evade a checkpoint on Katipunan St., Tisa, last Thursday evening.
According to Chief Insp. Rene Agustin, Bayno was riding a gray Honda Wave motorcycle without a helmet.
When Bayno saw the ongoing checkpoint, he made a sudden U-turn. However PO3 Reglyn Pepito and PO1 Henry Alejandro were able to trap Bayno.
Pepito said he saw the suspect drop a plastic pack containing suspected shabu which was forwarded to the Crime Laboratory.
Bayno was brought to the Punta Princesa Police Station for violating Section 11, Article 2 of Republic Act 9165 or possession of dangerous drugs.
After the incident was reported on television, NBI-7 agent Bernard dela Cruz arrived at the police station yesterday morning bringing a copy of the Warrant of Arrest from Regional Trial Court Branch 36, Carigara, Leyte, issued June 11, 2012 for violating Section 5 of RA No. 9165.
Dela Cruz said that Bayno is considered as the “number one drug lord” in Leyte and they have been looking for him for some time now.
Dela Cruz added that when he saw Bayno on television he immediately coordinated with the Punta Princesa police because Bayno might be able to file for bail. The suspect’s case in Leyte is non-bailable.
Bayno admitted that he has a warrant of arrest in Leyte and he sells illegal drugs but he denied the allegations that he is the number one drug lord in Carigara.
He also explained that he is here in Cebu City because his sister is sick.
Bayno was brought to the court for inquest proceedings yesterday afternoon. (FREEMAN)