Level 2 pusher arrested at checkpoint

CEBU, Philippines - A level 2 drug pusher was arrested at a checkpoint manned by a joint team of the Subangdaku Police and the City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (CAIDSOTF) along the North Reclamation Area in Subangdaku, Mandaue City last Sunday night.

A pusher is classified under level 2 if he/she disposes at least 200 grams to 1 kilo of drugs per week.

The “Oplan Bakal” is intended to stop the proliferation of unlicensed firearms in the city.

Gate Canete, 45, a resident of barangay Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City, is reportedly among the drug personalities in the watch list of the Cebu City Police and the Police Regional Office. He was on board a Crypton motorcycle with plate number YE-8082 when flagged by policemen at the checkpoint.

Seized from him were a black .380 caliber Llama pistol with seven live ammunitions and one ampule of nubain. Police said Cañete failed to show proof that his firearm is licensed.

Information gathered by the police revealed that Cañete transferred to Lapu-Lapu City from Barangay Ermita in Cebu City just recently when he learned that he is in the watch list.

Mandaue Police Director Noel Gillamac said they were able trace the firearm to one Rico Becerro, but the license expired last October 10, 2007. Becerro, a resident of Barangay Looc, Argao is reportedly a dismissed policeman formerly assigned at MCPO.

Gillamac said his men are looking into how the gun landed to Cañete’s hands.

Cañete is temporarily detained at the Subangdaku Police station pending the filing of formal charges against him.