Authorities have apprehended four individuals at the Subang Airport after police launched an investigation into a transnational drug trafficking syndicate where Laos authorities seized 521kg of methamphetamine packed in 23 bags from a private jet at Luang Prabang International Airport.
According to the authorities who conducted the raid, the four were preparing for flight, presumably to flee the country.
The Royal Malaysia Police said it was informed by Laos authorities on Oct 6 that the large-scale smuggling attempt had been foiled on Oct 1.
According to preliminary investigations, the private aircraft had departed from Subang Airport in Malaysia without any cargo before flying to Luang Prabang, Laos.
Three individuals were onboard the aircraft — a Singaporean pilot, a Malaysian co-pilot and a Filipino passenger.
The aircraft landed at Luang Prabang International Airport at about 11.30am. At around 1.30pm, two vehicles arrived carrying 23 bags, which were subsequently transferred onto the aircraft with the assistance of airport personnel.
Authorities later found the bags contained approximately 521kg of methamphetamine.
Police said the syndicate is believed to have planned to transport the drugs from Laos to the Philippines using the private jet.
Following the operation, Laos authorities detained another 10 Laos nationals to assist investigations. They comprised three employees of a ground-handling services company and seven airport employees responsible for operating X-ray screening equipment.
PDRM said the seized drugs were believed to be destined for the Manila market and were not intended for distribution in Malaysia.
Malaysian police have begun investigating the case and will send officers from the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) to Laos to conduct further inquiries.
