NBI seeks Laos cooperation in P3.5B drug smuggling investigation

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The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will seek the cooperation of Laos authorities in its probe of the attempted smuggling of P3.5 billion worth of illegal drugs into the Philippines.

Several personalities, including Mindanao politician and former Bangsamoro Parliament member Edriezan Hadji Nasser Rimbang, have been named as people of interest in the case.

“We have sent a letter to the authorities of law so that we can have an interaction with them. This is with the help of the Department of Foreign Affairs,” NBI Director Melvin Matibag said.

Matibag said the NBI is conducting its own investigation into the attempted Laos-Philippines drug smuggling, parallel to the Philippine National Police, but maintained that the two agencies are still cooperating.

The NBI Director said agents could be sent to Laos to conduct the investigation. They are also hoping to question the suspects in the custody of the Laos authorities.

Aerosky Services Corporation, the aviation services company involved in the private plane where the illegal drugs were found, has also signified its cooperation with the NBI, Matibag said.

The NBI Director has yet to disclose whether the agency will subpoena the persons of interest previously named by the Department of Interior and Local Government, saying that their priority was speaking with the Laos authorities. —Jean Mangaluz/LDF, GMA News