An employee of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-ASG) was allegedly involved in sourcing an aircraft for a chartered flight used to smuggle over 500 kilograms of shabu valued at ₱3.5 billion from Laos to the Philippines, according to revelations made during a Senate hearing.
This connection emerged during an inquiry by the Senate Committee on Public Services investigating how the plane managed to obtain a flight permit. The aircraft is currently impounded in Laos following the discovery of the illicit drugs onboard.
To uncover the financing behind the operation, the PNP has enlisted the help of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to follow the money trail associated with the suspected trafficking ring.
PNP Spokesperson PCol. Allen Rae Co stated that law enforcement agencies and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) are currently assessing evidence while awaiting official case files from Laos and Malaysia to finalize and jointly file charges.
Out of 11 persons of interest, three individuals have failed to show up before the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Highlighting the consequences of their absence, Co warned, “Failure to appear, puwede tayo mag-file ng case against them for indirect contempt and of course they will lose the chance to have their sides be heard.”
In parallel, a representative from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has traveled to Laos and is currently waiting for local clearance to interrogate the detained Filipino suspect and speak with Lao investigators.