Police on Sunday afternoon had to shoot the van driven by a fleeing suspect to stop him from escaping following a drug buy-bust operation in Tagbilaran City.

The operatives arrested van-for-hire driver Danilo Visaya, a 37-year-old resident of Barangay Ilihan Norte, Tubigon, who allegedly yielded 30 grams of shabu estimated to be worth P162,000.

Based on initial investigation, policemen led by Sr. Insp. Erano Regidor set up the sting operation against Visaya outside the Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT) where the suspect agreed to meet the poseur-buyer.

Visaya was allegedly caught in the act of selling shabu to the undercover cop but was able to momentarily elude police as they were making the arrest.

The suspect reportedly fled using his van forcing police to block his path and one operative to shoot the side of the vehicle as warning, authorities said.

This immediately stopped the fleeing suspect and led to his arrest.

Police also took into custody the vehicle where the drugs contained in six big and two small packets were allegedly found.

According to police, the van-for-hire is “colorum” or unregistered.

There were no passengers on board the vehicle during the operation.

Meanwhile, Visayas told police that he came from Tubigon and was told to deliver the shabu at the IBT.

The drugs allegedly seized from Visayas is the biggest haul confiscated in a single anti-drug operation in Tagbilaran City this month so far.

On June 3, police seized shabu worth P121,000 from suspect Arnel Rayo, 24, in a drug raid conducted at his residence along Upper Calceta, Barangay Cogon, Tagbilaran City. (with reports from Weli Maestrado)