A politician from Mindanao allegedly financed the private jet charter intended to transport ₱3.5 billion worth of suspected shabu from Laos to the Philippines, the PDEA (PDEA) said on Thursday, Oct. 15.
The latest disclosure adds a political figure to the investigation into the attempted shipment of 521 kilograms of suspected shabu. PDEA has not publicly identified the politician in the information provided or detailed the alleged connection to two Filipino suspects previously linked to the charter.
PDEA earlier identified the suspects as aliases “Fajad” and “Boyet.” Director General Isagani Nerez said on Oct. 12 that Fajad, who is detained in Laos, has addresses in Marawi and Luzon. Boyet, who allegedly arranged the charter, shares Fajad’s Luzon address.
“It was done through bank transfer. We have data on that,” Nerez said of the charter payment.
“So that links them…they know each other.”
Boyet left the Philippines for Hong Kong on Oct. 10, according to Nerez. PDEA is investigating the suspects’ possible associates in the Philippines and their roles in the alleged operation.
Lao authorities seized the drugs on Oct. 1 at Luang Prabang International Airport, discovering 500 packages in 21 of 23 suitcases. Thirteen people were detained, including flight crew, a foreign passenger, and company and airport personnel. A Learjet and pickup truck were also seized.
Malaysian narcotics chief Hussein Omar Khan earlier said a Filipino booked the charter on Sept. 23 for US$49,500, declaring the cargo as vape products. The aircraft flew from Subang, Malaysia, to Laos, with Manila as its intended next destination.
Charter operator CGT Asia said its crew rejected the suitcases over capacity, weight, and dangerous-goods concerns. The company maintained that the bags were never loaded onto the aircraft.
