PNP relieves officer; Laos drug probe widens

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has relieved an Aviation Security Group officer allegedly involved in a foiled shipment of 521 kilograms of suspected shabu seized in Laos before it could reach the Philippines.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said during a Malacañang press briefing that Police Officer Aileen Manalo Mendoza had been placed under restrictive custody of the Aviation Security Group.

Mendoza allegedly arranged the aircraft’s flight and hangar in Manila. The suspected financier, identified by the alias Sultan, has not left the country, Nartatez said.

The PNP is investigating up to 13 persons of interest in connection with the shipment. One has been invited by the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for questioning.

Nartatez said investigators were also looking into other individuals allegedly involved in arranging the shipment and receiving the drugs upon their arrival in the Philippines.

Chartered flight

He clarified that no charges had been filed against the persons of interest, except for a former pilot who had been dismissed from his job.

The investigation stems from the seizure of 521 kilograms of suspected shabu worth about P3.54 billion at Luang Prabang International Airport on 1 October.

The shipment was discovered aboard a chartered Learjet reportedly bound for the Philippines. A Filipino national, identified by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as Dibaroson Fahad, a resident of Marawi City, was among those arrested.

PDEA said the flight had been chartered for $49,500 to travel from Subang, Malaysia, to Luang Prabang, with the Philippines as its intended final destination.

The shipment was intercepted after a Malaysian pilot refused to board because of suspicious baggage.

Davao link

In separate reports, the PDEA identified a handler known as Boyet, who allegedly arranged the flight and left the Philippines for Hong Kong two days before the seizure.

Investigators have also examined possible links to the Samgor transnational drug syndicate and suspected logistical connections and front businesses in Davao City.

The National Bureau of Investigation has identified at least 10 persons and entities of interest in the case and is coordinating with the PDEA and other agencies.