Drug-Laden Jet: Broker’s Statement Reveals Filipino Man with Drug Record Chartered Private Jet
SHAH ALAM: A Filipino man with a history of drug offences in his home country is believed to have chartered a Malaysian private jet to smuggle 521 kilogrammes (kg) of drugs from Laos to the Philippines.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said police had identified the syndicate and individuals believed to be linked to the case in Malaysia.
He said the NCID had so far recorded statements from several witnesses, including a Malaysian who acted as a broker in arranging the aircraft charter.
“The individual revealed that the aircraft was chartered by a 54-year-old Filipino man identified as a former pilot who has a record of drug offences in his country.
“Investigations also revealed that a 51-year-old Filipino woman was involved and is believed to have acted as a coordinator for the syndicate,” he told Sinar Harian on Tuesday.
On October 1, Lao authorities seized 521kg of crystalline drugs suspected to be methamphetamine from a private jet that had arrived from Subang.
Investigations found that the aircraft departed Subang without any cargo before arriving at Luang Prabang International Airport at approximately 11.30am.
At about 1.30pm, two vehicles arrived carrying 23 bags, which were subsequently loaded onto the aircraft.
Hussein added that the NCID was also working with Wisma Putra and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to obtain further information and assist in the investigation.
He said the case was being investigated by Bukit Aman’s NCID Special Investigation Unit under Sections 34 and 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, involving abetment or preparatory acts committed in Malaysia in connection with drug trafficking offences overseas.
“The NCID remains committed to combating drugs to protect present and future generations.
“Drugs are the nation’s number one enemy, and members of the public can provide information through the NCID hotline at 012-2087222,” he said.
On October 7, a Malaysian private aviation company owner was among four individuals detained by Bukit Aman’s NCID at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang to assist in the investigation.
SINAR HARIAN