Suspected drug peddler shot dead; cohort arrested

A suspected drug peddler was shot dead while his cohort was arrested during a buybust operation inside an alleged drug den in Quiapo, Manila Friday.

The suspect, identified as Joel Cruz, 46, of Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila, was declared dead upon arrival after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds on different parts of his body, case investigator SPO1 Dennis Gumapac said.

A drug operation against the suspects were conducted by operatives from the Sta. Cruz Police Station, Blumentritt Police Community Precinct (PCP), Plaza Miranda PCP, Barbosa PCP and Alvarez PCP conducted a buy-bust operation Friday around 4 p.m. inside Blanco's Bldg. located at No. 222 Villalobos St., Barangay 306, Quiapo, Manila.

Investigators said when Cruz sensed that it was an entrapment, he reportedly began to fire shots at the operatives, prompting the police to retaliate.

The suspect's cohort Margie Ocasla, 24, of Quiapo, Manila was arrested when the police caught her receiving three sachets of suspected shabu from the slain suspect.

A .38 caliber revolver handgun, three fired cartridge cases and one fire slug of unknown caliber were recovered from the crime scene.