[UPDATED] Malaysia, Philippines launch joint probe into Laos drug jet case

Malaysian and Philippine authorities have formed a joint investigation to track down a suspected drug syndicate following the seizure of 521kg of crystal methamphetamine from a private jet in Laos, according to Harian Metro. The drugs were discovered at Laotian authorities' Luang Prabang International Airport on October 1, with the private jet originating from Subang Airport in Malaysia without any drugs on board.

Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, the director of Bukit Aman's Narcotics Crime Investigation Department, revealed that intelligence gathered during their investigation pointed to a major drug syndicate allegedly linked to a Philippine politician. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has agreed to cooperate with Malaysian police during a meeting on October 20 to exchange information from their respective investigations.

A Filipino national believed to be the mastermind of the operation booked the private jet about a week before the seizure, paying approximately US$49,500 to a private aviation company owned by two Malaysian pilots and two Singaporeans. The aircraft was bound for Manila, with the 521kg consignment packed into 500 packages discovered after the jet arrived in Laos.

Laotian authorities detained 13 people as part of the investigation, including the pilot, co-pilot, Filipino passengers, and airport and ground-handling personnel. The aviation company's owner and three other individuals were arrested at Subang Airport but were later released after providing their statements.