Post by : Badri Ariffin

Indonesian authorities have arrested a 39-year-old Malaysian pilot for allegedly smuggling 26kg of the synthetic drug MDMA into Jakarta after flying a Malaysia Airlines aircraft from Kuala Lumpur.

The arrest took place on Wednesday at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta's main airport. Customs officials confirmed the pilot, identified by the initials MS, had just completed the flight before being detained.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday (Jul 31), customs officer Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang said the case was particularly alarming because the suspect was actively working as a pilot when he entered Indonesia. "What concerns all of us is that this person's profession is a pilot, and at the time he arrived, he had just flown that plane from Kuala Lumpur to Indonesia," he said.

More Than 70,000 Ecstasy Tablets Found

According to Indonesia's customs office, the pilot was officially named a criminal suspect after investigators discovered a large quantity of drugs in his luggage.

Officials said he had agreed to transport the drugs to Jakarta at the request of an unidentified individual in exchange for a promised payment of RM50,000 (US$12,240).

During the inspection, customs officers found 14 bags containing more than 70,000 ecstasy tablets, weighing a total of 26kg of MDMA, inside his suitcase. They also recovered 4g of methamphetamine from his hand luggage.

Urine Test Showed Cocaine and Methamphetamine Use

Authorities said the pilot was under the influence of drugs when he arrived in Indonesia.

Hengky confirmed that a urine test returned positive results for cocaine and methamphetamine. He also said Indonesian and Malaysian authorities are communicating as the investigation continues.

Police Suspect Links to International Drug Syndicate

Awaludin Amin, an officer with Indonesia's national police drugs crime unit, said investigators believe this was not the suspect's first attempt at drug smuggling.

According to police, this was the third time the pilot had allegedly smuggled drugs into Indonesia.

Awaludin added that authorities strongly suspect the pilot is connected to an international drug syndicate. He has been charged under Indonesia's narcotics law.

If convicted, the suspect could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Malaysia Airlines Conducting Internal Review

Malaysia Airlines declined to comment on the ongoing investigation but said it has a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of misconduct.

The airline confirmed it is carrying out an internal review and will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities during the investigation.

Indonesia Maintains Strict Drug Laws

Indonesia has some of the world's toughest anti-drug laws, including the death penalty for convicted drug traffickers. However, the country has maintained a moratorium on executions for several years.

There are dozens of foreign nationals on death row for alleged drug trafficking offences, along with hundreds of prisoners overall.

Indonesia last carried out executions in 2016, when one Indonesian citizen and three Nigerians convicted of drug-related offences were executed by firing squad.

More recently, two British men were sentenced in March to nine years and 11 years in prison after being found guilty of smuggling cocaine onto the tourist island of Bali.

#Global News #Malaysia News #Global Updates #World News