PDEA confirms Filipino arrested in drug seizure in Laos

The Bureau of Customs, together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and other government agencies, present seized illegal drugs during a press conference at the Manila International Container Port in Tondo, Manila, on February 10, 2026. Authorities seized 41 kilograms of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P278 million, during recent anti-smuggling and anti-drug operations. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News MANILA (UPDATED) — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency confirmed Sunday that a Filipino citizen was arrested at an airport in Laos on October 1.

Atty. Joseph Frederick Calulut, PDEA spokesperson, confirmed the arrest but made clear that “as to the information if he’s a drug courier that is still to be verified.”

The Star in Malaysia earlier this week reported the seizure of 521 kilograms of suspected shabu in Laos. The suspected drugs were in a private jet believed bound for the Philippines.

He said Philippine authorities have yet to get the full report from foreign counterparts and that the nationality of the other suspect has yet to be verified.

“This is a private jet that was allegedly hired by some individual. But, as to the complete details we are still waiting for the final reports,” he also said.

He said the PDEA has initial details on the Filipino suspect but cannot make them public.

Calulut added the agency is also “pushing for the declaration of drug group members…as a terrorist group.”

The Philippine National Police, also on Sunday, said it is investigating new methods drug syndicates used to transport illegal drugs to the country, following reports that some allegedly bound for the Philippines were seized in Laos and Thailand. 

“We are intensifying our intelligence monitoring and information sharing with regional counterparts to deny opportunities for illegal drugs syndicates either to operate in the Philippines or to make our country a transshipment point for illegal drugs,” PNP chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said.

The PNP has said it is verifying whether the shipment was headed for the Philippines. It has however said there is no evidence yet confirming Manila was the intended destination.

Nartatez said coordination with foreign law enforcement agencies is “reliable and strong.”

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte lauded the Lao and Thai governments for their effort against the illegal drug trade.

“We recognize the concerns surrounding the Philippines’ role in regional drug trafficking and express my deep regret that our country has become associated with this problem,” she also said.