A suspected drug pusher was wounded during a buy-bust operation in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, that led to an alleged shootout with police Sunday, Oct. 12, authorities said.
In a report on Monday, Calabarzon regional police said anti-illegal drug operatives were conducting a sting in Barangay Sinalhan at around 5:40 p.m. when the suspect, identified only as ‘Keluts,’ realized he was dealing with undercover officers.
Keluts allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired at the operatives but missed, the report stated.
Police returned fire in self-defense, hitting Keluts in the right elbow.
Recovered from the suspect was a .38-caliber revolver loaded with two spent shells and three live bullets, the report said.
Authorities also seized two plastic sachets containing suspected shabu (crystal meth) weighing 4.39 grams, with an estimated street value of P29,852.
The suspect is now in police custody and will face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and for illegal possession of a firearm./mcm