Indonesian authorities have arrested a 39-year-old Malaysian pilot on allegations of smuggling more than 70,000 ecstasy pills into the country after he arrived at Soekarno Hatta International Airport in Jakarta from Kuala Lumpur.
The pilot, identified only by the initials MSO, was detained on July 29 after customs officers allegedly discovered 14 packets of ecstasy tablets in his checked luggage and four grammes of methamphetamine in his hand baggage.
Authorities have not officially identified the airline involved, although reports indicated the flight was operated by Malaysia Airlines.
Pilot Tested Positive For Three Drugs
Following his arrest, the pilot underwent a urine test that returned positive for methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine, according to airport customs officials.
“The results of his urine test came back positive for meth, MDMA and cocaine,” airport customs official Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang was quoted as saying by AFP.
Officials expressed concern because the suspect had allegedly piloted the aircraft from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta before his arrest.
Allegedly Promised Payment To Deliver Drugs
Investigators said the pilot told authorities he had been promised 50,000 Malaysian ringgit (around Rs 11.6 lakh) to transport the narcotics to Jakarta.
Authorities are investigating whether he was acting as a courier for a larger drug trafficking network.
Malaysia Airlines Launches Internal Review
Malaysia Airlines declined to comment on the ongoing investigation but reiterated its zero tolerance policy toward misconduct.
The airline said it is conducting an internal review and will cooperate fully with Indonesian authorities.
Could Face Death Penalty
Indonesia has some of the world’s toughest anti narcotics laws, with drug trafficking offences carrying penalties that include life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Although Indonesia has maintained a moratorium on executions in recent years, the death penalty remains part of the country’s legal framework. The last executions were carried out in 2016, when several prisoners convicted of drug offences were executed by firing squad.
If convicted, the Malaysian pilot could face the maximum punishment under Indonesian law.