Police in Zaragoza town, Nueva Ecija recovered a .38-caliber revolver, “shabu” (crystal meth), and the marked money from a drug suspect, who was killed after reportedly engaging policemen in a shootout Thursday. (Contributed photo)
ZARAGOZA, Nueva Ecija — A suspected drug trader was killed in a shootout with authorities during a buy-bust operation here shortly after midnight Thursday, police said.
The slain suspect was identified as Al Taberna, 43, of Barangay Balaring in Gen. Natividad town, also in this province, said Major Jaime Ferrer, acting police chief of this town.
Investigators said the armed suspect sensed that he was dealing with an undercover agent during the operation in Barangay Sto. Rosario at 12:05 a.m.
The suspect then fired shots at responding policemen, who fought back, killing him in the process.
The police recovered the suspect’s .38-caliber revolver, motorcycle, and 16 sachets believed to contain “shabu” (crystal meth).