THE National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., on Thursday expressed confidence in building an airtight case against suspects behind the foiled smuggling of 521 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.
Presenting a link diagram of individuals involved in the illegal drug shipment seized in Laos-which was bound for the Philippines-Nartatez expressed satisfaction on the progress of the investigation.
‘I am satisfied with the progress of the investigation and the diligence shown by our investigators. The evidence gathered reflects a thorough, evidence-based approach aimed at establishing the truth and ensuring accountability,’ Nartatez said.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) expects to wrap up its investigation by Friday, before submitting its final findings to Nartatez.
Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II, CIDG director, disclosed that four summoned individuals skipped the investigation, including a former Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliament member accused of financing the operation.
The investigation follows months of reviewing CCTV footage, gathering testimonies, examining documentary evidence, and issuing over 40 subpoenas regarding the attempt to traffic the illicit cargo via a chartered aircraft.
‘The CIDG and our partner agencies have worked methodically to piece together the facts. What matters is that the investigation remains objective, comprehensive, and anchored on credible evidence,’ Nartatez added.
Nartatez ordered police units to locate unaccounted persons of interest, emphasizing that their cooperation is vital to uncovering the full details of the smuggling attempt.
‘The strength of any case will ultimately be determined in court, but our objective is to build the strongest possible case based on facts, evidence, and due process,’ Nartatez added.
‘We remain focused on ensuring that every piece of evidence is carefully validated so that those responsible, regardless of status or position, can be held accountable under the law,’ he also said.