A suspected big-time drug personality who was ranked sixth among high-value targets of Central Visayas police and allegedly also operated in Mindanao was gunned down during an anti-narcotics operation in Sierra Bullones on Saturday evening.

Suspect James Reyes was shot dead by joint police operatives of the Regional Special Operations Group 7, Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) and Sierra Bullones Police Station after allegedly resisting arrest outside a cockpit arena in the said town.

According to PIB chief Sr. Insp. Jojit Mananquil, Reyes, a resident of Pilar, was subjected to a sting operation.

During the staged drug transaction, the suspect noticed that he was dealing with a police poseur-buyer prompting him to draw his weapon, said Mananquil.

However, Reyes was reportedly unable to fire his weapon as police units surrounding the operation area were able to shoot first killing the suspect.

Following the operation, police seized Reyes’ .45 caliber pistol and Toyota Fortuner, and its contents including a shotgun and shabu with an estimated worth of P354,000.

According to Mananquil, Reyes’ growing narcotics operations prompted the police to elevate him as one of the primary targets in the region.

The police intelligence officer noted that Reyes’ drug supply was distributed province-wide reaching areas including Tagbilaran City, Carmen, Panglao and Sierra Bullones.

Reyes’ illegal operations even reached Cebu and Mindanao, particularly Ozamiz City, said Mananquil.

Days prior to his killing, Reyes was reportedly in Ozamiz City.

The alleged big-time drug personality traveled to Cebu and Mindanao through various ports in Bohol including Jagna, Clarin and Ubay, added Mananquil. (Weli Maestrado)