By Joseph Jubelag
GENERAL SANTOS CITY - A high-value drug peddler was killed Tuesday after he reportedly shot it out with police anti-narcotics operatives during an entrapment operation in Barangay Lagao, this city.
Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, Police Regional Office-12 spokesperson, said the suspect, Efren Escolna, 29, resisted arrest by engaging the police poseur-buyer in a shootout.
“After sensing that he was dealing with a police-poseur buyer, the suspect draw a handgun to resist the arrest,” Capellan said.
Police seized several grams of ‘shabu’ and a .38 caliber revolver from the slain suspect.
Police tagged the suspect as a high-value drug personality who was listed in the drug watchlist released by President Duterte.
Capellan said the suspect was subjected to month-long surveillance for his illegal drug trade activities prior to entrapment operation.
He said local drug peddlers had been warned to cease their illicit activities as the Duterte administration launched the massive anti-drug campaign since 2016.
“There are those who really defy the order of President Duterte to refrain from their illegal drug trade,” Capellan.