Malaysia, Philippines launch joint probe into Laos drug jet case

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian and Philippine anti-narcotics authorities have agreed to launch a joint investigation into the attempted smuggling of 521kg of syabu aboard a private jet intercepted in Laos.

The agreement follows intelligence exposing a major drug syndicate linked to a Philippine politician.

Narcotics Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the decision was reached during a special bilateral meeting between Malaysian police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Oct 20.

The meeting involved Philippine agency director-general Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerezani and three delegates.

Hussein said both agencies exchanged their respective investigative findings concerning the drug shipment, which was intercepted at Luang Prabang International Airport on Oct 1.