The Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued 40 subpoenas as part of its investigation into the 521-kilogram shipment of suspected shabu intercepted from Laos, with authorities intensifying efforts to identify those behind the alleged drug smuggling operation.
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Police Major General Robert Alexander Morico II said the subpoenas include individuals among the 11 persons of interest previously identified by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
However, authorities are still searching for four of the 11 individuals after discovering that addresses appearing in records and other documents could be false.
Among those being investigated is former Bangsamoro parliament member Edriezan Hadji Nasser Rimbang, who is suspected of financing the group.
Morico said investigators are cross-checking information from multiple sources, including records from government agencies, social media accounts, and addresses obtained during their investigation.
The CIDG is targeting Friday to submit its case build-up report to PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who will then forward it to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
According to Morico, investigators have traced approximately ₱11.5 million in alleged transactions linked to the operation, including ₱7 million reportedly paid to charter the private jet used to transport the illegal drugs from Malaysia.
The CIDG also suspects the group has long been involved in the local drug trade and may have attempted to expand its operations.
Morico, however, declined to confirm whether other politicians were linked to the alleged drug smuggling network, saying the investigation remains ongoing.
