PNP probes local links to P3.54-B shabu haul
Nartatez said the PNP would exchange intelligence and cross-check information with other agencies to determine whether the suspects had links to local drug trafficking networks.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Friday ordered intelligence and investigative units to investigate possible local links to a 521-kilogram shabu shipment seized in Laos after reports that a politician from the southern Philippines financed the chartered flight used to transport the drugs.
Nartatez directed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the PNP Drug Enforcement Group to work with other government agencies to verify information and identify individuals who may have helped facilitate the shipment.
“We are validating all available information and coordinating closely with other agencies to establish any possible links to drug trafficking networks in the country. We will pursue every credible lead and ensure that any action we take is firmly supported by evidence,” Nartatez said.
He said investigators would build a case against those found responsible for the attempted smuggling.
“That’s a lot of illegal drugs. Just imagine how many Filipinos, especially young people, would have been affected if the operation had succeeded. We will not let this pass and will hold those responsible accountable,” he said.
The directive followed reports that a politician from the southern Philippines allegedly financed the private flight used to transport the drugs intercepted at Luang Prabang International Airport in Laos on 1 October.
Authorities seized 521 kilograms of suspected shabu worth about P3.54 billion. The shipment was reportedly intended for the Philippines aboard a private jet. A Filipino national was among those arrested in connection with the case.
In a separate operation in Thailand on 7 October, authorities seized 1,178 kilograms of suspected shabu worth about P8.01 billion from a fishing vessel allegedly bound for the Philippines. Six Thai crew members were arrested.
Nartatez said the PNP would exchange intelligence and cross-check information with other agencies to determine whether the suspects had links to local drug trafficking networks and whether other domestic facilitators were involved.