MANILA, Philippines — The investigation into a foiled attempt to smuggle more than half a ton of suspected shabu into the Philippines has intensified, with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) now identifying former Bangsamoro parliament member Edriezan Hadji Nasser Rimbang as the alleged mastermind behind the operation.
The shipment, estimated to be worth approximately ₱3.5 billion, was intercepted by authorities in Laos before the drugs could be transported to Manila. Investigators are examining the alleged financing, chartered aircraft arrangements and local connections that may have supported the attempted shipment.
Rimbang, also known as “Sultan,” was previously identified by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla as the alleged financier of the operation. The latest development places him at the center of the continuing investigation, but the allegations have not been established in court.
How the alleged smuggling operation was supposed to work
Authorities said Laotian officials seized 521 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, at Luang Prabang International Airport on October 1.
The cargo was reportedly packed in suitcases and declared as vape products. Investigators said it was intended to travel aboard a chartered Learjet from Laos to the Philippines, with a planned arrival at a private aviation hangar in Pasay City.
According to officials, the aircraft never landed in the Philippines. The seizure in Laos prevented the suspected drugs from reaching their intended destination.
The Philippine Information Agency reported that authorities were examining the planned flight and alleged arrangements involving the aircraft, landing permissions and receiving party. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and PDEA are coordinating with other agencies as they trace the people and transactions connected to the shipment.
Alleged roles of the people under investigation
Officials have identified several persons of interest, including Rimbang, who was allegedly responsible for financing the operation.
Other individuals have been linked by authorities to different parts of the alleged plan, including procuring the aircraft, arranging the flight and hangar, and receiving the shipment in Manila. One Filipino national, Fahad Mulok Dibarosan, was arrested in Laos in connection with the case.
Police Executive Master Sergeant Aileen Jayne Manalo Mendoza, who was allegedly involved in arranging the flight’s arrival, was relieved from her post and placed under restrictive custody, according to government statements.
These are allegations under investigation. The identification of a person of interest, or an alleged role in an operation, does not by itself establish criminal liability.
Investigators report missed subpoenas and alleged payments
The investigation took another turn as the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) continued summoning people for questioning.
Reports published by The Philippine Star on October 22 said Rimbang and several other persons of interest had failed to appear after being summoned. Investigators reportedly visited addresses associated with some of them but were unable to locate them at those locations.
The CIDG also reportedly developed information suggesting that Rimbang had provided approximately ₱11.5 million for the alleged operation, including around ₱7 million for the chartered flight. These details remain part of the investigators’ case buildup and should not be treated as proven findings of guilt.
Authorities are continuing to examine records, witness accounts and the alleged money trail to determine whether evidence supports the filing of criminal charges.
House panel begins scrutiny of the drug shipment
The House Committee on Dangerous Drugs scheduled a briefing on October 22 involving Remulla, PDEA chief Isagani Nerez and other officials to examine the shipment, the evidence collected so far and the alleged Philippine connections.
Committee members are expected to review how the cargo was supposed to enter the country and what measures could prevent similar attempts involving private aircraft and international routes.
The investigation has also raised questions about airport security procedures and coordination among law-enforcement agencies. Officials have said they want to strengthen checks on cargo arriving through private aircraft.
What happens next?
Authorities still need to establish the evidence against each person under investigation and determine which criminal charges, if any, can be supported.
Officials previously said that because the shipment was intercepted before the alleged transaction was completed in the Philippines, conspiracy-related charges may be among the legal avenues being examined. The final charges will depend on the evidence and the applicable law.
The case highlights the cross-border nature of suspected drug trafficking and the importance of cooperation between Philippine authorities and their regional counterparts. The investigation remains ongoing, and the individuals named by authorities must be afforded due process.
