PNP says drug suspect killed in Cebu City buy-bust, P3.63-M ‘shabu’ seized

Shabu (crystal methamphetamine) | INQUIRER.net stock image

MANILA, Philippines — A suspected drug peddler died in a shootout with police officers during a buy-bust operation in Cebu City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday.

PNP Chief General Dionardo Carlos said the suspect, identified only as “Ralf,” was killed after he engaged operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit and Cebu Police Provincial Office in a gun fight in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City, on Wednesday, April 6.

The suspect was wounded and rushed to the hospital, but he was declared dead upon arrival.

“Our police personnel were trying to defend themselves from the armed suspect who became uneasy after seeing the police. Thus, the armed confrontation. There was an attempt to save his life but he was declared dead in the hospital,” Carlos said.

Police said investigators recovered packs containing a white substance – suspected to be crystal meth or “shabu” – from the scene. The PNP said the seized illegal drug is estimated to be worth P3.63 million.

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