Batangas buy-bust leads to car chase; suspect dead

SAN PEDRO CITY –– The police recovered P170,000 worth of suspected “shabu” (crystal meth) in an anti-drug operation that led to the death of one of the suspects, authorities said Thursday.

The slain suspect was identified as Reinier Ambion, a resident of Amadeo, Cavite.

Ambion’s live-in partner, Mary Grace Casulang of Dasmariñas City, Cavite was arrested.

Police said both had been previously arrested for drug charges in Cavite and were recently released from detention after going through a plea bargain.

In a report, Col. Edwin Quilates, Batangas police chief, said the police operation happened around 1:40 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Niyugan, Laurel, Batangas.

When the suspects realized they were dealing with undercover policemen, the suspects drove away onboard their car. They even shot at the operatives’ vehicle as they fled.

The police chased them until they reached Barangay Amuyong in Alfonso town, Cavite.

Quilates said it was then when the suspects began to shoot the policemen forcing the authorities to return fire.

Both suspects were hit and taken to the Tagaytay Medical Center but Ambion died.

Police recovered five sachets of suspected drugs and a .38 caliber gun. /lzb