Luang Prabang:Manila The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has been enlisted in the ongoing financial investigation concerning the suspected monetary flow linked to an illegal drug shipment intercepted at Luang Prabang Airport in Laos on October 11, as announced by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co stated that investigators are currently assessing evidence, including financial transactions connected to the illegal drug shipment. Tracing the financial flow is anticipated to fortify the case against those allegedly involved in the illicit activity.

Col. Co mentioned that a collaborative effort between the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the PNP is in progress for the case's joint transmittal. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has held a case conference with PDEA to allocate tasks, including issuing subpoenas and gathering statements from persons of interest.

The CIDG is conducting both criminal and financial investigations, focusing on taking statements from individuals involved. Col. Co urged three individuals, who have not responded to subpoenas, to cooperate or potentially face charges of indirect contempt.

Persons of interest in the case include former Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament member Edrieza Nasser Rimbang, pilot Rioklyn 'Boyet' Toledo, Police Executive Master Sergeant Aileen Mendoza, and Abdulahkarim Macalatas. Fahad Mulok Dibarosan, Rimbang’s brother-in-law, was arrested in Laos on October 1 after illegal drugs were discovered in his luggage.

The CIDG is considering filing charges against these individuals under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.