PETALING JAYA: Malaysian and Philippine authorities have agreed to launch a joint investigation into an attempt to smuggle 521kg of crystal methamphetamine using a private jet in Laos.
Bukit Aman narcotics crime investigation department director Hussein Omar Khan said the agreement followed intelligence exposing a major drug syndicate linked to a Philippine politician, Harian Metro reported.
Hussein said the agreement was reached during a meeting between Malaysian police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Oct 20, during which the agencies exchanged information gathered from their investigations.
Laos police seized the drugs at Luang Prabang International Airport on Oct 1.
The jet departed Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang for Luang Prabang without any drugs on board.
The methamphetamine, packed in 500 packages and reportedly destined for Manila, was loaded onto the aircraft after it arrived in Laos.
A Filipino national, believed to be the mastermind of the syndicate, booked the private jet about a week before the seizure.
Hussein previously said the individual engaged a private aviation company owned by four people – two Malaysian pilots and two Singaporeans – for US$49,500.
He said preliminary investigations suggested the Filipino national was using the company's services for the first time. Information about the individual was shared with the PDEA to assist in locating the suspect.
Thirteen people, including the pilot, co-pilot, Filipino passengers and airport and ground service staff, were detained by Laotian authorities to assist in the investigation.
The private aviation company's owner and three other individuals were arrested at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport and released after giving their statements.