Two drug suspects wounded in shootout with Cavite cops

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

LUCENA CITY — Two drug suspects were wounded during a buy-bust operation that ended in an alleged armed encounter in Imus City, Cavite province on Thursday night, authorities said.

The Cavite police public information office reported that a local drug enforcement unit conducted a drug sting operation in Barangay Malagasang 2-D at 11 p.m. on September 15.

According to the police, one of the targets, Riuz Alpeler, 57, sensed that he and his younger brother, Aladin, 56, were dealing with an undercover cop during the transaction.

Riuz drew his .38-caliber revolver and fired a shot at the anti-illegal drug operatives but missed.

The lawmen returned fire and hit Riuz on his left shoulder. The bullet exited and consequently hit the right eye of Aladin.

Police said the wounded suspects were rushed to the nearest hospital for medical treatment.

Riuz’s handgun, which was loaded with four empty bullet shells and one live bullet, was seized.

Authorities also recovered four plastic sachets of “shabu” (crystal meth). The report did not state the total volume and street value of the confiscated illegal drugs from the suspects.

The Alpeler brothers were tagged as drug traders in the city, police said.

Police were preparing criminal complaints against the suspects for violations of Section 5 and Section 11 of Article 2 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.

Riuz will also face cases for illegal possession of a firearm and attempted homicide.

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