PNP verifying claim 521 kg of shabu headed for PH

Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is coordinating with authorities in Laos and Malaysia to verify reports that 521 kilograms (kg) of suspected methamphetamine seized from a private jet in Laos were bound for Manila, saying there is still no conclusive evidence that the shipment was intended for the Philippines.

PNP spokesman Col. Allen Rae Co said authorities were checking the shipment’s origin and intended destination, the aircraft’s ownership and flight plan, and whether Filipinos were among those arrested in connection with the seizure.

“It’s premature to conclude whether it’s true or not,” Co said, referring to claims by foreign authorities that the drugs were destined for the Philippines.

The PNP is coordinating through official channels with its counterparts in Laos and Malaysia to establish the facts surrounding the case.

The 521 kilograms of suspected shabu were seized by Lao authorities on Oct. 1 from a private Learjet at Luang Prabang International Airport. The drugs were packed in 500 packages found inside 21 of 23 suitcases, according to reports from Malaysian authorities.

The aircraft had flown from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, Malaysia, to Laos without cargo before the drugs were allegedly loaded onto the jet.

Malaysian police said that a Filipino citizen had booked the flight for $49,500, with the cargo declared as vape products. The individual was suspected of being the mastermind of a drug-smuggling syndicate, although the investigation is continuing.

Malaysian police said the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency had been notified of the booking information to help locate the individual.

Co said Philippine authorities are verifying information from Malaysia and will investigate flight and cargo records, and the shipment’s destination.

“The country still has no connection to the shipment,” Co said, adding that investigators needed to establish the facts rather than rely solely on allegations.

Authorities reportedly detained 13 people following the seizure, including the jet’s crew and passenger, as well as airport and ground-handling personnel. Malaysian police separately arrested four people for questioning in connection with the case, but subsequently released them after taking their statements.

A ton of ‘shabu’

The PNP is also investigating a separate report involving more than a ton of suspected crystal methamphetamine seized from a boat in the Gulf of Thailand.

Thai authorities reportedly intercepted the shipment, purportedly bound for the Philippines.

Co said the PNP was coordinating with foreign law enforcement agencies to verify the shipment’s intended destination.

He said the police would continue monitoring international drug-smuggling activities and coordinating with foreign counterparts to determine whether the intercepted shipments had links to the Philippines.