Updated at 2:07 a.m., Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Puna man charged with drug offenses
Advertiser Staff
A Puna man has been arrested and charged with drug offenses following the search of his property on Friday.Joseph Cerio, 60, had been leasing a property on Naholowaa Road in the Hawaiian Homes Makuu Farm Lot area of Puna for several years. Two other residents were arrested but later released, Big Island police said. Cerio's bail is $50,000 and he is currently in custody at the Hilo cellblock.
Police vice officers executed a search warrant at Cerio's home at 4:25 p.m. Friday and arrested him on suspicion of first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and possessing drug paraphernalia.
Two other men arrested, ages 24 and 30, have not been charged yet. They were arrested on suspicion of first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug.
Police recovered 48.5 grams (1.71 ounces) of black tar heroin, a small amount of marijuana and $35,370 cash. Police also recovered scales, packets, wax paper and foil associated with packaging heroin for sale. They seized a 1941 Custom Chevrolet pickup truck, a 1976 Chevrolet Corvette, a 1999 Pontiac Grand Vitara, a 2005 all-terrain vehicle and a 46-inch flat screen television, which, along with the cash, are pending forfeiture action.
