KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — A Filipino national, believed to be the mastermind of a drug smuggling syndicate, booked a private jet linked to the seizure of 521kg of methamphetamine in Laos on September 23, about one week prior to the incident.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the individual engaged the services of a private aviation company owned by four individuals, comprising two Malaysian pilots and two Singaporeans for a fee of US$49,500 (RM202,356).
He added that the booking was for a flight from Laos to Manila, Philippines, with the cargo declared as vape products.
“Information regarding the declaration of goods carried on the flight was obtained from the manifest secured in Subang, as well as from Lao authorities.
“We are currently investigating whether the company owner is involved in the syndicate or if they were also exploited by the syndicate,” he said.
Hussein said they are also gathering further details on the Filipino national believed to have made the booking as this information has been shared with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to assist in locating the individual.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the individual was using the company’s services for the first time, having chosen them because they offered the lowest price for that flight route.
The company, he noted, has two entities registered in Cambodia and operates in Malaysia with two jets stationed at Subang.
He said the airline received approval to offer these services in July 2026 and has so far accepted nine flight bookings, with the flight to Laos being the eighth.
“The company owner is a pilot with extensive experience across various airlines who has now established an airline to offer private commercial services,” he said during a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK) today.
Commenting on the arrest of a local man, the owner of the private airline, along with three other individuals at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang, last Wednesday, he said all of them were released after their statements were recorded.
He added that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is still awaiting approval and clearance from Laotian authorities to allow officials to be sent to the country to obtain further information from the detained Malaysians.
Media reported on October 1 that Laotian police seized 521 kg of crystal methamphetamine contained in 500 packages from a private Learjet that had arrived at Luang Prabang International Airport from Subang.
The jet had departed from Subang for Luang Prabang without any drugs on board as the 521 kg of methamphetamine was loaded onto the aircraft after its arrival in Laos, believed to be destined for Manila, Philippines.
Following the seizure, 13 individuals including the pilot, co-pilot, Filipino passengers, as well as airport and ground service staff were detained by Laotian authorities to assist with the investigation. — Bernama
Date: 9 October, 2026 2:00 pm
Source: Malay Mail
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