Luggage with drugs not loaded onto private jet in Subang, says flight operator

CGT Asia Pte Ltd disclosed that the private jet, destined for Laos and Manila, did not carry 23 bags containing 521kg of methamphetamine. The charter firm stated the plane was set to depart from Subang airport, making a stop in Luang Prabang, Laos, before heading to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, then returning to Subang.

A Filipino passenger, aware of the baggage, boarded the plane at Subang on October 1 without any carry-on items, informing the crew they would collect luggage in Laos and handle customs clearance themselves. However, the crew was unaware that the luggage contained roughly 23 bags, far exceeding initial expectations. The operating crew raised safety concerns regarding the unusual quantity and potential hazardous items, like lithium batteries.

Neither CGT Asia nor the crew had any knowledge about the luggage's illicit contents before learning from Lao authorities. The operating crew had already declined to carry the bags prior to discovering their contents. Lao authorities inspected and seized the luggage, confirming suspicions of drugs within. CGT Asia reaffirmed that they, along with the crew, did not knowingly transport drugs or prohibited goods, and pledged continued cooperation with authorities in the investigation.