: Former Bangsamoro lawmaker Sultan Edrieza Hadji Nasser Rimbang
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has identified former Bangsamoro lawmaker Sultan Edrieza Hadji Nasser Rimbang as the alleged mastermind behind the attempted smuggling of a P3.5-billion shipment of shabu intercepted by authorities in Laos.
During a congressional hearing on Thursday, PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez said Rimbang was no longer viewed as merely the financier of the operation but as the person who conceptualized and directed the scheme involving 521 kilograms of methamphetamine intended for the Philippines.
Nerez told lawmakers that Rimbang allegedly planned the operation, guided his associates, and provided the funds needed to charter the private aircraft used in the shipment.
The drug haul was discovered aboard a Philippines-bound private jet carrying 23 pieces of luggage loaded with shabu.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier described Rimbang as the financier of the entire operation.
PDEA said it is now coordinating with other government agencies to identify individuals who helped facilitate the logistics of the failed smuggling attempt.
Authorities also suspect Rimbang has links to an international drug syndicate, citing the cross-border nature of the operation.The investigation remains ongoing. # (ZIA LUNA)
