PNP looking into reported PH-bound drugs seized in Laos, Thailand

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The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it is coordinating with foreign authorities to verify reports that separate shipments of illegal drugs seized in Laos and Thailand were allegedly bound for the Philippines.

PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Allen Rae Co said local authorities were checking the details of the reported seizures including the origin of the shipment, their intended destinations, ownership of the aircraft, and its flight plan.

"It was the claim of the Laotian or the Malaysian authorities lang na it's bound for the Philippines," he said at a press briefing.

"So we are verifying and we are already coordinating through the proper channels with the Laotian and Malaysian authorities," he added.

On Wednesday, the South China Morning Post reported that 521 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine were seized by Laotian authorities from a private jet.

The drugs were allegedly bound for Manila.

Co said the PNP was coordinating with authorities in Laos and Malaysia to verify the reported information, including the ownership of the aircraft and its flight plan.

The PNP was also checking a separate report involving a shipment of over a ton of crystal methamphetamine allegedly in Thailand.

On Thursday, the Bangkok Post reported that police have seized more than a ton of crystal methamphetamine worth 1.2 billion baht (about P2.2 billion) from a boat in the Gulf of Thailand.

The seized items were reportedly being transported to the Philippines.

Co warned against concluding that the drugs were intended for the Philippines, saying the reports remained unconfirmed.

"We are glad na hindi na nakarating po dito sa ating itong mga droga na ito. But as to the claim na ito po talaga ay destined for the country, it's premature to conclude whether it's true or not," he said.

(We are glad that these drugs have not reached our country. But as for the claim that this is really destined for the country, it's premature to conclude whether it is true or not.)

He assured that the PNP continues to monitor international drug-smuggling activities. — VDV, GMA News