Operatives of the Bulacan Police killed two suspected shabu peddlers while 17 others were arrested in separate buy-bust operations conducted on Tuesday and early morning of Wednesday, reports said.
Bulacan Police Provincial Office (PPO) director P/Col. Chito Bersaluna identified the slain suspects as Benjie Vertudaza and Carlo Garga, included in the Drug Watch list of Pulilan police. They were killed in a reported shoot out after they allegedly sold shabu to a poseur buyer in Brgy. Sto Cristo, Pulilan about 1:15 in the morning.
“The poseur buyer was able to buy illegal drugs from the suspects. However, they sensed that they were transacting with undercover police that led to a gunfight and neutralization of the two suspects,” Bersaluna said.
Bulacan Scene of the Crime Operatives processed the crime scene and recovered a Smith and Wesson calibre 38 revolver without serial number loaded with 3 live cartridges and 2 cartridge cases; 1 calibre .38 without trademark, 1 pink pouch bag and red sling bag containing nine transparent plastic sachets containing shabu; a Sony Ericson cell phone, white SYM Motorcycle without plate number with sidecar and aP500 bill marked money.
Meanwhile, 17 other drug suspects were arrested during buy-bust operations in the cities of Meycauayan, San Jose Del Monte and in the town of Bocaue, Hagonoy, San Rafael and Baliwag, all in Bulacan during the drug operations on Tuesday.
Bersaluna identified the arrested suspects as Robelyn Insong, Richard Obamos, Estrella Garcia, Saida Baguan, Marlon Mitra, Christian Datuin, Artemio Ramirez Jr., Mary Ann Domingo, Engelbert Untalan, Stephanie Cerenia, Mandy Perez, Nestor Semanes, Francisco Viñas, Federico Taban, Myrah Mapandi, Norania Miraato and a 15 year-old minor.
A total 48 plastic sachets of shabu and buy-bust money were confiscated from the suspects during the operations.
The arrested suspects and seized pieces of evidence were taken to the Bulacan Crime Laboratory for appropriate examination while criminal complaints for violation of Section 5 and Section 11 of Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Dangerous Drugs Acts of 2002) are being prepared for filing in court against them. – Eloisa Silverio