1 dead, 196 nabbed in 3-day police operations in Quezon province

LUCENA CITY — The three-day simultaneous police operations in Quezon province led to the death of an alleged drug pusher and arrests of 196 suspected criminals, police said Thursday.

Police operations in 39 towns and two cities from September 21 to 23 led to the arrests of 38 alleged drug pushers, Colonel Audie Madrideo, Quezon police director, said in a report.

Alleged drug peddler Ricardo Villarante was killed after he reportedly resisted arrest in a buy-bust operation and engaged policemen in a shootout in Lucena City on Monday.

Anti-illegal drugs operatives also seized 37.27 grams of “shabu” (crystal meth) worth P205,000 in the street market and 2,435.4 grams of marijuana with Dangerous Drugs Board value of P133,947.

Police also arrested nine suspects on illegal firearms charges; 20 for illegal gambling; 20 for illegal fishing; four for illegal logging; 10 for illegal cutting of coconut trees; and 11 others for violations of municipal ordinances.

Police also arrested 84 wanted felons. /lzb