Drug suspect slain in Nueva Ecija buy-bust

At least 14 sachets believed to contain “shabu,” a loaded .38-caliber revolver, and marked money were recovered from a drug suspect, who was killed in a reported shootout with policemen in Zaragoza town, Nueva Ecija Friday. (Contributed photo)

ZARAGOZA, Nueva Ecija –– An alleged illegal drug trader was killed, while his companion eluded arrest during a buy-bust operation here on Friday, April 30, police said.

Major Jaime Ferrer, municipal police chief, identified the fatality as Francis Reyes, a resident of Barangay Barrera in Cabanatuan City.

Ferrer said the armed Reyes was caught selling “shabu” (crystal meth) to an undercover agent but resisted arrest and shot at the responding policemen during the operation in Barangay Concepcion shortly after midnight.

“Suddenly, (Reyes) drew his firearm and fired at the police officers, prompting them to defend themselves and shot back,” Ferrer said in a report.

Reyes died instantly while his unidentified companion sped off on a motorcycle, Ferrer said.

Forensic investigators recovered 14 sachets of shabu, the suspect’s loaded .38-caliber revolver, and his motorcycle at the scene. INQ

LZB