An alleged pusher listed as the number two drug personality in Sierra Bullones was shot dead by police operatives during a buy-bust operation on Thursday morning.

The suspect, identified as Rico Busaco, a resident of Brgy. Abachanan in the said town, reportedly pulled out his firearm after sensing that he sold suspected shabu to a police poseur-buyer.

However, members of the Sierra Bullones police and the Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC-SWAT) stationed at the operation area were able to shoot and hit Busaco first.

The suspect was rushed to a hospital in the town of Carmen, but he was declared dead on arrival.

The police report indicated that Busaco sustained gunshots wounds to his neck and head, which caused his death.

Operatives recovered from the possession of the suspect a 9mm firearm, two magazines, 14 packets of suspected shabu and the marked money used by police in the buy-bust.

According to Sierra Bullones police, the suspect was urged by town authorities to end his involvement in illegal drug activities through Oplan Tokhang, but he refused to surrender.

Busaco reportedly continued to conduct illegal drug operations which prompted the municipal police and the PPSC to conduct the joint anti-illegal drugs operation. (Allen Dodyora)