Plane used in attempted Laos-PH drug smuggling registered in US -- CAAP

The private plane used in the attempted smuggling of shabu from Laos to the Philippines was registered in the United States, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

Authorities earlier confirmed that there were two Filipinos linked to the attempted smuggling of 521 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu.

In a Super Radyo dzBB report from Luisito Santos on Thursday, the CAAP said the private plane was registered in the US while the pilots were licensed under the US Federation Aviation Administration.

The CAAP also confirmed that on September 24, a flight permit request for the Philippines was submitted by the Aerosky Services Corporation as a representative for CGT Asia.

CAAP Director Raul del Rosario said that they will continue to ensure aviation security, in accordance with the directive of President “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez.

According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), one of the two Filipinos involved allegedly arranged for the private jet to transport the drugs. — Jean Mangaluz/RSJ, GMA News