P2M in meth seized, 1 arrested, 1 killed in Davao del Sur anti-drug operations

DIGOS CITY—Authorities seized some P2 million worth of shabu, or crystal meth, during two days of anti-drug operations in Davao del Sur province.

On Thursday (Aug. 27), a 35-year-old woman was caught selling meth along the national highway at Aplaya village in this city.

Joan Marañan Banate was about to hand over a sachet of shabu to an undercover police officer when operatives of the police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested her, said Col. Vici Anthony Tababa, Digos City police chief.

Seized from Banate were two sachets of meth weighing 160 grams with an estimated retail value of at least P1 million.

On Wednesday (Aug. 26), a drug suspect was killed in Magsaysay town after a gunfight with law enforcers about to arrest him.

Maj. Jeffmar Tercero, Magsaysay town police chief, said Allan Demandante, alias Allan Bagna-an, 36, of Trento town in Agusan del Sur, had arranged the drug sale at the village of Dalawinan in Magsaysay, arriving there aboard an SUV.

As the transaction went on, Demandante eventually discovered he was dealing with law enforcers.

Tercero said Demandante drew a pistol and fired at the undercover agent who was quick to duck for cover beside the SUV.

In the exchange of gunfire, the undercover agent hit Demandante who was rushed to a hospital in nearby Bansalan town where he was pronounced dead.

Seized inside Demandante’s vehicle were 53 grams of meth, a weighing scale and a caliber .38 pistol.

Absent any ownership documents, the vehicle was also impounded at the Magsaysay police station.

Tercero said Demandante had been involved in the drug trade in Magsaysay town and some areas of Davao del Norte.

TSB