THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) disclosed Thursday that an unnamed Mindanao politician allegedly funded the chartered private jet meant to deliver 521 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine into the country from Laos.
The politician provided the ₱3.5 billion payment for the flight, which was intercepted at Luang Prabang International Airport after the pilot reportedly refused to load luggage belonging to a Filipino national identified only by the alias “Fajad,” who was allegedly carrying the narcotics. Fajad has since been arrested and detained in Laos.
PDEA also identified a second Filipino, known as “Boyet,” as the alleged arranger of the smuggling operation. Authorities said Boyet fled the Philippines on or before October 10, shortly before the shipment was intercepted. Both Fajad and Boyet are believed to have direct ties to the transnational drug syndicate Sam Gor, which operates extensively across the Asia‑Pacific and reportedly uses Mindanao as a key entry point into the country. PDEA confirmed it has already identified the mastermind behind the attempt but withheld further details to protect the ongoing investigation.
The agency did not name the politician who funded the operation, emphasizing that the inquiry remains active and additional evidence is being gathered before identities are formally released. PDEA reiterated that Sam Gor maintains significant influence in parts of Mindanao, exploiting established networks to move shipments through the region. Authorities are coordinating with Lao counterparts to secure Fajad’s possible return and to trace the money trail leading back to the alleged political patron.
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