NBI identifies persons of interest in P3.5-B Laos jet bust

Investigators have identified at least 10 persons and entities of interest (POI) in the Philippines linked to a massive P3.54-billion drug bust aboard a private jet in Laos, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced Wednesday.

“We already identified POIs,” the bureau said in a statement. “Together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and our partner agencies, we want to assure the public that we will find everyone responsible or conspired to try to bring the drugs in the country.”

The investigation follows a 1 October joint interdiction at Luang Prabang International Airport in Laos, where law enforcement officers intercepted a chartered private Learjet carrying 521 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, locally known as shabu.

Police in Laos arrested a Filipino suspect identified as Dibaroson Fahad, a resident of Marawi City, during the operation.

Authorities revealed that the Learjet had been chartered specifically to transport the multi-billion-peso narcotics cargo to the Philippines.

Intelligence units from the PDEA are actively tracking a primary handler known by the alias “Boyet.” Investigators said “Boyet” arranged the charter flight before fleeing the Philippines for Hong Kong two days prior to the Laos airport raid.

PDEA officials stated that both suspects are believed to have operational ties to the Samgor international drug syndicate.

Investigators are probing logistical connections and front businesses established in Davao City allegedly used by the network to launder narcotics proceeds and coordinate local distribution.