Private jet from Subang to Manila halted in Laos over suspected drug luggage

CGT Asia Pte Ltd said a private jet was scheduled to depart Subang Airport, stop at Luang Prabang International Airport, then fly to Ninoy Aquino International Airport before returning to Subang, and a Filipino passenger boarded at Subang on Oct 1 without carry‑on baggage intending to collect luggage in Laos.

The crew were not told the luggage would consist of about 23 pieces, a quantity larger than expected, and raised operational and safety concerns about the large amount and possible lithium batteries or dangerous goods, refusing to load the baggage before learning it allegedly contained illicit drugs; the luggage was not loaded at Luang Prabang and was inspected and taken into custody by Lao authorities after Laotian police were tipped off about a drug‑trafficking ring planning to use the aircraft on Oct 1.