Luang Prabang:A Philippine national was the only passenger on a CGT Asia Limited flight from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang, to Luang Prabang International Airport, Laos, on October 1. The passenger boarded without any carry-on luggage.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, CGT Asia's CEO, Captain Darren Chan Chee Seng, confirmed that the Learjet 55B, registered as N73GP, departed Subang at approximately 11:30 am local time and arrived in Luang Prabang around 1:30 pm. The passenger was the sole individual on the flight.

Chan noted that the passenger had planned to collect luggage containing vape products for the onward journey and would manage customs clearance independently. However, the crew was not informed that the luggage would include about 23 pieces, which was more than expected.

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, approximately 23 pieces of luggage were presented for the intended onward flight to Manila. Concerns were raised regarding the large quantity of baggage, the aircraft's baggage capacity, and potential safety issues related to weight and balance, as well as the possible presence of lithium batteries or other dangerous goods.

The luggage was not accepted for carriage on the aircraft at Luang Prabang. Laos authorities subsequently inspected the luggage and suspected it contained a significant quantity of illicit drugs or controlled substances.

Before being informed by the authorities, CGT Asia and its crew were unaware of the alleged contents of the luggage. The crew had already refused to carry the baggage before this information was available. Following the intervention of the Laos authorities, the passenger and crew members were detained and/or required to remain available for the investigation.

CGT Asia stated it would fully cooperate with the authorities, providing necessary documentation or clarification. On October 1, Laotian police seized 521 kg of crystal methamphetamine from the Learjet. Following the seizure, 13 individuals, including a Malaysian, Singaporean, and Filipino, were detained for further investigation into the cross-border drug trafficking case.