DAVAO CITY — An alleged big-time drug peddler in Davao del Sur is now facing charges for possession of illegal drugs after anti-narcotics agent seized from the suspect some P525,000 in shabu on Saturday, August 11.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-11 identified the respondent as Khey Christine Tabas, who was slapped with charges for violating Sections 6, 11, and 12, of Republic Act 9165 the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA-11 Regional Director Antonio Rivera said Monday that Tabas was arrested in an operation in Padada town, Davao del Sur by virtue of a search warrant
Rivera said that based on initial information, Tabas is reportedly the sister of Malalag town Mayor Peter Valentin.
“I was informed that she is the sister of the mayor in Malalag but we are still checking this if it is true,” River said.
Rivera said a shootout broke out during the operation after Tabas’ husband, Janell, who is also subject of the warrant, resisted and started shooting at the raiding team, prompting the government operatives to return fire.
He said operatives immediately brought Janell to Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Rivera said about 35 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride–locally known as shabu–with a street value of Php525,000 and .45 caliber pistol with live ammunition were recovered during the search.
The couple are included on the municipal PDEA target-list and also one of the big-time and notorious drug peddlers operating in Davao del Sur, he said.
“Aside from selling, they are also using their house as a drug den,” the PDEA official said. (Armando Fenquito Jr/PNA)
