Anti-narcotics agents killed a suspected drug user in a Quezon City buy-bust that also led to the confiscation of some P27 million worth of shabu on Sunday.
Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said the 50-year old suspect identified as Edgardo Labay Alfonso was a highly-value target since he was entrusted by his boss to carry four kilos of shabu.
“He was both a courier and player. He was entrusted by the illegal drugs syndicate to deliver huge amount of shabu. We do not normally confiscate four kilos of shabu in our daily operation so we consider him as a high-value target,” said Eleazar.
The operation stemmed from the report of the illegal activities of Alfonso in some parts of Metro Manila. In the past weeks, police narcotics agents tried to negotiate with him and a few days ago, he agreed to sell some P1.6 million worth of shabu.
The meeting place was in front of a gasoline station at the corner of P. Tuazon Avenue and 18th Avenue in Barangay San Roque in Quezon City.
At around 5 a.m. yesterday, Alfonso showed up but during the transaction he noticed that he was dealing with a cop.
“He suddenly pulled out a firearm from his waist and then a scuffle ensued. The suspect fired successive shots to the undercover agent who immediately fled to avoid being shot,” said Eleazar.
A brief chase then ensued as back-up cops protected the police poseur-buyer. Alfonso was cornered along Del Pilar Street.
“He was cornered and was ordered to lay down and surrender but instead he open fired at the operatives. As the raiding pursued him, the firefight broke out where the suspect was neutralized,” said Eleazar.
Aside from the shabu, also seized from the suspect were a brown wallet containing P800 cash, a .45 pistol, and several identification cards.
A background check revealed that Alfonso was member of syndicated criminal gang operating illegal drug trade in Metro Manila. He was one among the targets of intensive anti-illegal drugs operation under NCRPO Case Operational Plan.
“Although there are no longer shabu existence being monitored inside the Bilibid, there are still personalities inside who are giving guidance and instructions to their members outside the jail. Therefore, these members who are operating huge transactions outside are relentlessly being monitored and subjected to entrapment operations, in line with the Intensified Cleanliness Policy of NCRPO,” said Eleazar.
The official said that he had already ordered his men to build up cases and operational plan against Alfonso’s cohorts. (Aaron Recuenco)
