KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian authorities are investigating a 54-year-old Filipino former pilot and a 51-year-old Filipino woman over their suspected involvement in a drug trafficking syndicate linked to the seizure of 52 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine in Laos.
Hussein Omar Khan, director of Malaysia’s Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID), said investigators had obtained statements from several individuals, including a Malaysian national suspected of acting as a broker in arranging the rental of the private aircraft involved in the incident at Luang Prabang International Airport.
According to Hussein, the Malaysian suspect disclosed that the aircraft had been rented by the Filipino former pilot, who reportedly has a previous drug-related criminal record in the Philippines.
Further investigations indicated that the 51-year-old Filipino woman was allegedly involved in the syndicate and had served as its coordinator, Hussein said in a statement.
The case is being investigated under Sections 34 and 39B of Malaysia’s Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. These provisions cover offences involving acts carried out in Malaysia to facilitate drug trafficking activities overseas.
Hussein added that the NCID was working with Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to obtain additional information and support the ongoing investigation.
He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to combating drug-related crime and protecting both present and future generations from the dangers associated with illegal drugs.
Meanwhile, reports from Laos indicated that authorities had seized a private jet and detained 13 people in connection with the drug seizure at Luang Prabang International Airport. The aircraft was impounded for further investigation.
The Malaysian investigation is continuing, and the allegations against the individuals remain subject to the outcome of the authorities’ inquiries.
