Manila:The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has identified a former Bangsamoro lawmaker with ties to the Duterte family as one of the suspected masterminds behind an attempt to smuggle PHP3.5 billion worth of illegal drugs from Laos to the Philippines. However, investigators are still awaiting key documents needed to file charges.

According to Philippines News Agency, PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez informed the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs that evidence points to former Bangsamoro Parliament member Edriezan Hadji Nasser Rimbang, also known as Sultan, as a key player and suspected mastermind in the operation. The investigation is based on affidavits obtained by the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

The House committee, led by Rep. Mark Anthony Santos, is collecting information from various agencies ahead of a planned congressional inquiry into drug seizures in Laos and Thailand. The inquiry will explore ways to enhance border security and inter-agency coordination against international drug trafficking. Rimbang, appointed to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019, is a person of interest in the investigation.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla acknowledged Rimbang's political connections with the Duterte family but noted that no evidence links the family to the drug shipment. Investigators are also focusing on Abdulkarim Macalatas, the alleged recipient of the shipment in Manila. Despite having solid evidence against Rimbang and Macalatas, authorities still require transaction records involving Police M/Sgt. Aileen Jayne Manalo Mendoza, former airline pilot Rioklyn Pizarras Toledo, and the Malaysian company involved.

Nerez indicated that further investigation is needed to obtain official records from Laos and identify cyber warrant application targets. The Department of Justice has offered assistance in securing these records. Rep. Leila de Lima highlighted that none of the Philippine-based persons of interest have been arrested or charged concerning the Laos shipment, which involved 521 kilograms of suspected shabu seized at Luang Prabang International Airport. The drugs were allegedly headed to Manila on a chartered private jet.