Laos Seizes 521kg Suspected Meth From Private Jet Bound for Manila, Not Malaysia

Malaysia’s Narcotics Crime Investigation Department said its officials would visit Laos to obtain further information on the cross-border gang involved in the case.

The move follows the seizure of 521kg (1,148lbs) of suspected methamphetamine by Laotian authorities from a private jet.

Malaysia’s department said the drugs were not sourced from Malaysia.

The drugs are believed to have originated in Laos and were destined for Manila in the Philippines.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department director Hussein Omar Khan said Malaysian police were informed by Laotian authorities on Tuesday that the smuggling attempt had been foiled at Luang Prabang International Airport last Thursday.

According to Hussein, the private jet had initially departed from Subang airport in Malaysia without any cargo before flying to Luang Prabang.

The account places Malaysia as the aircraft’s initial departure point, while police have said the seized drugs were not meant for the Malaysian market.

“The drugs seized were meant for the Manila market in the Philippines and not the Malaysian market,” Hussein said in a statement.

The planned visit to Laos is intended to help Malaysian officials gather further information on the cross-border gang, as authorities examine the movement of the private jet and the suspected methamphetamine.

The seizure therefore involves authorities in Malaysia and Laos, with the alleged destination identified as Manila rather than Malaysia.

Source: South China Morning Post