Suspected drug pusher hurt in shootout in Camarines Norte

LEGAZPI CITY — An alleged notorious illegal drug peddler was injured in a shootout at dawn on Sunday with anti-narcotics operatives in a drug sting in Daet town, Camarines Norte province, a police report said.

Menandro Ariate, tagged a high-value target (HVT) drug pusher by police and a resident of Barangay (village) Gahonon, was selling a sachet of suspected shabu (crystal meth) worth P30,000 to an undercover agent at around 2 a.m. in his village, said Police Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson.

The report said the suspect, sensing that the drug transaction was a set-up, drew his gun and fired at the approaching policemen, prompting the operatives to retaliate.

The suspect was taken to the Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital for treatment of bullet wounds.