A Malaysia Airlines pilot was apprehended at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on July 29, accused of attempting to smuggle approximately 57 pounds of ecstasy pills and 4 grams of methamphetamine into Indonesia. Authorities also allege the 39-year-old Malaysian national, identified by the initials MS, likely used narcotics while flying.
Surveillance footage released by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Customs and Excise shows MS arriving at the airport and being directed to a customs checkpoint. Despite being in a fast-track lane for aircraft crew, his luggage was selected for inspection. Customs officers discovered a large quantity of illegal drugs concealed within his bags.
MS reportedly told investigators he was promised 50,000 Malaysian Ringgit, equivalent to over $12,200, to transport the drugs to Jakarta and was instructed to check into a hotel after arrival to complete the transaction. He also claimed to have a history of transporting methamphetamine, including a previous delivery to Sabah, Malaysia, and a 15-pound shipment to Jakarta.
In addition to the seized narcotics, officers found a small bottle of urine, which they suspect was intended for falsifying drug test results. A urine test administered to the pilot later confirmed the presence of MDMA, ecstasy, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
"This means he likely used drugs while flying to Indonesia," stated Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang, head of Soekarno-Hatta Airport Customs and Excise, at a press conference. At the time of his arrival, MS was reportedly piloting Malaysia Airlines flight MH272 from Kuala Lumpur, which carried at least 170 passengers.
Malaysia Airlines has stated that it is cooperating with the ongoing investigation and has initiated an internal review into the incident. A spokesperson affirmed the airline's zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.
MS is currently detained at the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency detention center and faces charges related to narcotics offenses. Indonesia has some of the world's strictest drug laws, and penalties can include the death penalty by firing squad or life imprisonment if found guilty.