ONE of the dreaded drug pushers in Dagupan City was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted at the Rizal Extension in Barangay Pogo Chico on March 5.

Efren Caramat, also known as Pakoy, is well known in his neighborhood as a shabu peddler targeting out-of-school youths and fears no one as he is reportedly protected by influential people.

Several complaints from concerned residents prompted law enforcement units led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 1 (PDEA RO1) to launch intelligence gathering against Pakoy until his eventual arrest.

PDEA RO1 narcotics agents confiscated about two grams of Methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu with an estimated street value of P12,000 along with the marked money used in the transaction and the motorcycle used to deliver the illegal drugs.

PDEA RO1 Regional Director Jeoffrey C. Tacio commended his anti-narcotics agents for getting rid of one of the drag peddlers of Dagupan City,

“Pakoy reaching the top 10 priority target list is no laughing matter, but we are glad that we have concerned communities who only want their places to be safe and protected. Without their help Pakoy would have had more victims in his illegal drug trade,” Tacio said.

Pakoy is now facing cases of Selling and possession of illegal under Sections 5 and Section 11 of Article II of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

PUSHER WOUNDED

Meanwhile, another shabu pusher in Dagupan who is in the police watchlist was wounded following a shootout with covert anti-narcotics agents of PDEA RO1 in the crack of dawn of March 6.

The suspect was identified as Ibrahim Ampuan, also known as Itlog Ampuan, who agreed to meet with a PDEA agent posing as a buyer in the vicinity of Mayombo District in Dagupan.

After receiving the marked money and handing out two plastic sachets of shabu, Ampuan noticed several men running towards him, prompting him to draw his gun and fire.

The agents then fired back and took cover, during which Ampuan immediately jumped to his motorcycle for a quick getaway.

Agents were unable to follow the suspect’s quick maneuvers but immediately coordinated with local medical centers and hospitals.

Ampuan was later found and arrested at the Pangasinan Medical Center where he was recuperating after a hospital staff reported his admission due to a bullet wound.

“This is the second shootout here in Pangasinan, August last year when agents killed a bold drug pusher. We thank God that no other innocents and agents were hit, but we fear that these kinds of criminals are now arming themselves,” said PDEA RO1 Regional Director Jeoffrey C. Tacio.

It was found out that Ampuan was earlier arrested in a raid by law enforcers at a drug den in Bonuan Binloc, Daguapn City but was later released due to legal technicalities.

“He was released due to several technicalities but his attempt today would assure his remaining days in prison,” Tacio said.

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