CEBU CITY – A 40-year-old drug pusher was wounded in a shootout with police in Barangay Apas here on Tuesday night, Aug. 5.
Police said suspect Harry Mistula Candaza fired the first shot in an attempt to elude arrest.
The Mabolo Police Station was alerted that Candaza was involved in the illegal drugs trade.
Candaza was closely monitored until a buy-bust operation was launched.
Police said a poseur-buyer transacted with Candaza, who was with three other men during the transaction.
Candaza sensed that he was dealing with a policeman during the transaction. He allegedly drew a .45 caliber pistol and fired a shot, prompting police to return fire.
Candaza was hit in the abdomen and was taken to the hospital.
His three companions, Retchel Ladera Solon, 40; his 28-year-old brother Paulo James, and Vincent Retura Buar, 30, were arrested.
Seized during the operation were 27 packs of suspected shabu and a .45 caliber pistol.
The value of the contraband was not disclosed.