Indonesian authorities arrested a 39-year-old Malaysian pilot at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Wednesday (Jul 29). The individual was identified by the initials MS, though some reports refer to the suspect as MSO. Indonesian customs named the pilot a criminal suspect following the interception.
Customs officials discovered 14 bags containing more than 70,000 Ecstasy pills in the pilot's suitcase. While the physical count exceeds 70,000 pills, the total weight of the MDMA is reported as 26 kg. Additionally, four grams of methamphetamine were found in the pilot's hand luggage, which authorities believe was for personal use.
The pilot had just flown a Malaysia Airlines plane from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta. Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang, an official at the Jakarta airport customs office, announced the arrest at a press conference on Friday (Jul 31). He highlighted the security implications of the suspect's profession and recent flight activity.
Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang expressed alarm that the suspect was a pilot who had recently flown a plane from Kuala Lumpur to Indonesia.
Authorities stated that a urine test came back positive for meth, MDMA, and cocaine. One report indicated the presence of cocaine and methamphetamine, while another included MDMA in the results. An official noted that the pilot was under the influence at the time of the flight.
Aritonang confirmed the pilot tested positive for meth, MDMA, and cocaine, indicating he was under the influence during the flight.
The pilot allegedly brought the drugs to Jakarta at the request of an unidentified person in exchange for a promised reward of RM50,000 (US$12,240). Indonesian and Malaysian authorities are currently in communication regarding the case.
Malaysia Airlines declined to comment on the specific case as it remains under investigation. The carrier stated that it does not tolerate any form of misconduct and is conducting an internal review into the matter. The airline also confirmed it will cooperate with relevant authorities.
The pilot risks the death penalty for the alleged smuggling. Indonesia enforces strict drug laws; in 2015, the country executed two Australians involved in the Bali Nine drug ring for attempting to smuggle heroin out of Bali.