Drug peddler killed in Bulacan drug bust

CAMP GENERAL ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan – A drug pusher who authorities said is notorious for selling illegal drugs in Sta. Maria town, was killed during a drug buy-bust operation conducted by the Bulacan police on Friday.

Colonel Chito G. Bersaluna, Bulacan police director, identified the slain suspect as Lester Ruiz De Guzman, 31, single, of Zone 1, Capili Compound, Brgy. Grace Ville, San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan.

Based on the report of Santa Maria police, De Guzman fired at the Drug Enforcement Operatives (DEU) after a drug transaction in Brgy. Bulac, Friday, and the police fired back, causing the death of the suspect.

De Guzman's unidentified cohort managed to escape on board a motorcycle headed towards the direction of San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan.

Police said that De Guzman is included in the Drug Watch list of Santa Maria Municipal Police Status and known for his involvement in the proliferation of illegal drugs in the area of Barangay Bulac and other adjacent barangays in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

Recovered from De Guzman were 12 heat-sealed plastic sachets of shabu, one cal. 38 revolver without serial number and the cash used in the buy-bust operation.

Moreover, Police director Bersaluna, said that 12 drug suspects were also arrested in series of anti-illegal drug raids conducted by Bulacan police in towns of Balagtas, San Rafael, Marilao and Baliuag, and in the cities of San Jose Del Monte and Meycauayan.

Seized were 43 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of shabu and buy bust money. The arrested suspects and confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to Bulacan Crime Laboratory for appropriate examination. A criminal complaint for violation of Section 5 and Section 11 of Article II of RA 9165 (Dangerous Drugs Acts of 2002) against them is being prepared for filing in court.