Laos bust-linked Sultan sets PDEA appearance
Rimbang had earlier ignored an initial PDEA subpoena over allegations that he financed a chartered flight linked to the aborted smuggling operation involving 521 kilograms of shabu seized in Laos.
Former Bangsamoro parliament member and Sultan Edrieza Hadji Nasser Rimbang, who has been implicated in the alleged smuggling of P3.5 billion worth of shabu from Laos to the Philippines, will appear before the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on 5 November.
PDEA spokesperson Atty. Joseph Frederick Calulut said three of Rimbang’s lawyers visited the agency’s office on 27 October and committed to appearing on 5 November to submit a sworn statement.
Rimbang had earlier ignored an initial PDEA subpoena over allegations that he financed a chartered flight linked to the aborted smuggling operation involving 521 kilograms of shabu seized in Laos.
According to Calulut, the lawyers did not explain why Rimbang failed to immediately appear at the PDEA’s office amid allegations that he was the alleged financier and mastermind in the drug smuggling operation.
“Based on the evidence on hand, he appears to be the mastermind, not just a financier. We are waiting for him to give his statement so his defense isn’t just on social media. It’s better if it is in an affidavit,” Calulut told reporters in a phone interview on Thursday.
Earlier, Rimbang denied involvement in the attempted smuggling.
Calulut rejected Rimbang’s claims of absolute innocence, noting the suspect’s background in an area known for drug personalities.
Looking at his background, we need to consider where Rimbang comes from, particularly since the area has long been known for having numerous drug personalities. Just because he denies any involvement in illegal drugs or claims he did not earn anything from them does not mean we should take his statements as gospel truth. We are still examining several other angles.
“Just because he says he is not involved doesn’t mean we are going to believe it as the gospel truth. We are checking many other angles,” Calulut added.
Calulut emphasized that PDEA holds documentary evidence proving Rimbang bankrolled the operation.
“We have documents, we have evidence that Rimbang supplied the money,” he said.
Calulut stated that the PDEA is keenly verifying the possible involvement of Rimbang in previous illegal drug transactions.
“Looking at his background, we need to consider where Rimbang comes from, particularly since the area has long been known for having numerous drug personalities. Just because he denies any involvement in illegal drugs or claims he did not earn anything from them does not mean we should take his statements as gospel truth. We are still examining several other angles,” Calulut said.
On 1 October, Lao authorities thwarted P3.5 billion in illegal drugs on a private plane headed to the Philippines.
A Filipino national identified as Fahad Mulok Dibarosan was arrested during the foiled smuggling attempt.
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic “ Remulla identified 11 persons of interest in the case, including former Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament member Edriezan Hadji Nasser Rimbang, whom he identified as the alleged financier of the operation.
The PDEA is also coordinating with foreign counterparts and awaiting additional documents and information from Malaysia in connection with the investigation.