Pair arrested in drug raid

An ongoing investigation into OxyContin distribution in Spokane has led to at least four arrests and raids at several Spokane Valley apartments this month.

Suspects Kevin D. Miles, 28, and Tashina A. Perkins, 26, are believed to be distributors of the pain medication.

They were arrested Thursday after an early-morning raid at their apartment at 12112 E. Alki Ave.

Spokane Valley police detectives found almost 700 OxyContin pills and nearly $160,000 in cash.

They believe Miles, who moved to Spokane from California about five months ago, was preparing to return to California to get more pills.

Perkins’ 5-year-old daughter was taken into protective custody.

Three other suspected OxyContin dealers have been arrested in Spokane Valley since May, but police are tight-lipped about an ongoing investigation that Sgt. Dave Reagan said could result in additional arrests.

Reagan said recent arrests aided in identifying Miles and Perkins, but he declined further comment.

Miles and Perkins were released from Spokane County Jail on their own recognizance Thursday after appearing in court on one count each of possession of a controlled substance. Miles did not return a voicemail left on his cell phone.

Detective Russ Dowdy said 499 OxyContin pills were found in the trunk of the couple’s 2000 Buick Regal. About 30 pills were located inside the apartment, and about 150 pills were found in a trailer Miles rented for the trip. Detectives also seized four cell phones and three semiautomatic pistols, one of which had been reported stolen.

Dowdy participated in raids at three other Spokane Valley apartments since May 4.

In those cases, a paid informant helped police develop probable cause for the searches. Arrested on May 6 was Terrance L. Smith, 24, at 823 S. Willamette. James R. Tillett, 24, was arrested May 4 at 726 N. McDonald,

A 22-year-old woman targeted in a search May 12 at 15620 E. Valleyway has not been arrested.

Police suspect each defendant sold mostly 80 mg OxyContin pills – one of the highest and most expensive dosages. Typical prices were $65 to $70, according to search warrants.

Miles is believed to have sold the same dosage pills for $50 apiece, police said. Investigation into Miles began May 5 when an informant bought OxyContin from him, according to police.

OxyContin use has surged in Spokane in the past few years, marked by a series of pharmacy robberies in late 2008 and throughout 2009.

No pharmacy robberies have been reported in the Spokane area since Walgreens began locking the drug in time-release safes in September.