Drug suspect slain in ‘shootout’ with Nueva Ecija cops
TALAVERA, Nueva Ecija—Another suspected drug trader in the province was killed in a reported shootout with police during a buy-bust operation Wednesday, June 16.
Lt. Col. Heryl Bruno, acting municipal police chief, said Marcelino Avila, a resident of Barangay Homestead 2 in this town, was caught selling “shabu” (crystal meth) worth P100,000 to an undercover agent in Barangay Sibul here around 4 a.m.
The suspect resisted arrest and shot the responding police, but was killed during the gunfight.
Forensic investigators said they recovered the suspect’s .45 caliber pistol and motorcycle.
At least two other drug suspects have been killed in the province since June 10.