‘High-value’ drug suspect killed in shootout with police

MANILA, Philippines — A high-value drug suspect was killed while five of his alleged cohorts were arrested after a shootout with the police in Taguig City on Thursday.

Police said they implemented a search warrant against the suspect identified as Jaime Sangki, also known as Mohamen Sangki or Adnan, in a suspected drug den in Barangay New Lower Bicutan.

The operation led to an exchange of fire between the suspect and the police, the National Capital Region Police Office reported.

Meanwhile, five men who were the alleged spotters, lookouts, and runners of the slain suspect were arrested. They were identified as Abdulsalam Sailila, Abdul Lumenda, Ali Carangayan, Adhji Akol, and Amad Sangki.

Police confiscated  24 sachets of suspected “shabu” (crystal meth) weighing around 120 grams and with estimated street value of P816,000 from the suspects.

Also confiscated were a caliber .45 pistol with its magazine, several ammunition, and P5,000 cash believed to be the suspects’ profit from selling illegal drugs.

Police said the suspects were involved in drug trafficking and gun-for-hire activities operating in the southern Metro Manila. They also tagged the slain suspect as a notorious drug dealer.

The arrested suspects are now under the custody of the police and facing drug charges. /ee