Malaysian police trace syndicate behind 521kg syabu seizure in Laos on jet from Subang

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — The Royal Malaysia Police have uncovered the syndicate behind a massive 521kg crystal methamphetamine seizure at Luang Prabang International Airport, Laos, earlier this month. Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan revealed that investigators interviewed several witnesses, including a Malaysian broker who arranged the charter of the aircraft.

The aircraft was operated by a 54-year-old retired Filipino pilot with a history of drug offenses in his home country. Hussein also identified a 51-year-old Filipino woman as the syndicate's coordinator. The case is being handled by the NCID's Special Investigation Unit under sections of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, focusing on aiding or planning drug trafficking offenses committed overseas.

The NCID is collaborating with the Foreign Ministry and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to gather additional information and support the investigation. 13 individuals, comprising Malaysians, Singaporeans, and Filipinos, were detained by Lao authorities following the seizure on October 1. On October 7, police arrested the owner of the private Learjet at Subang Airport during a raid.

The police remain steadfast in their commitment to combating drugs and urge the public to report any drug-related activities to the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222.