GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Anti-drug operatives have launched a manhunt for a target-listed drug personality who eluded arrest in a raid in Tampakan town in South Cotabato on Friday afternoon.
Valente Cariño, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 12 (Soccsksargen) director, identified the suspect as Kimberth Hambala, resident of Purok San Isidro 2, Barangay Poblacion, Tampakan.
Armed with a search warrant, the operatives stormed the suspect’s residence at about 5:15 p.m., Cariño said.
Recovered during the operation were a large plastic sachet containing 20 grams of suspected “shabu” worth about PHP136,000; six open transparent plastic sachets with traces of suspected “shabu”; an empty transparent plastic sachet; a pair of surgical scissors; two improvised disposable lighters with needle; and a roll of aluminum foil, he said.
Cariño said the suspect, however, managed to escape from the area prior to the operation, which was conducted in coordination with the Tampakan municipal police.
Prior to the raid, he said they conducted a series of surveillance operations in the area to validate Hambala’s activities.
“He is a high-value target drug personality and known as among the top drug pushers in the area,” he said.
The official said the suspect’s illegal activities appear extensive due to the volume of “shabu” seized from his house.
He said they are currently looking into Hambala’s networks and possible involvement in local drug groups.
Charges of violation of Sections 11 and 12 on the possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia, under Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed against the suspect on Monday, he added. (PNA)
