A Malaysian pilot is facing the death penalty or life imprisonment in Indonesia after allegedly smuggling more than 70,000 ecstasy pills into Jakarta, shortly after flying a passenger plane from Kuala Lumpur.
The 39-year-old pilot, identified only as MSO, was arrested on Wednesday at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport after arriving from Kuala Lumpur.
Pilot allegedly flew plane while under influence
Indonesian customs officials said the pilot tested positive for methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine in a urine test.
Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang, an official with the airport customs office, said the results indicated that the pilot was allegedly under the influence at the time of the flight.
“What concerns all of us is that this person’s profession is a pilot, and when he arrived, he had just flown that plane from Kuala Lumpur to Indonesia,” Hengky said.
The flight number reportedly indicated that the aircraft was operated by Malaysia Airlines, although Indonesian customs did not officially name the airline.
More than 70,000 ecstasy pills found
Customs officers reportedly discovered 14 bags containing more than 70,000 ecstasy tablets inside the pilot’s suitcase.
They also found around 4g of methamphetamine in his hand luggage, which authorities believe was intended for personal use.
Officials said the pilot may have expected less scrutiny because he was travelling through a special customs lane for pilots and crew members.
However, authorities stressed that the same monitoring procedures apply to everyone.
Allegedly third smuggling attempt
According to investigators, MSO allegedly admitted that this was his third attempt to smuggle drugs — with two attempts involving Indonesia and one involving Malaysia. Police suspect he may have been working with an international drug syndicate.
The pilot allegedly told investigators that he had been promised around RM50,000 to deliver the drugs in Jakarta.
He has since been charged with drug smuggling.
Could face death penalty
Under Indonesia’s strict drug laws, convicted drug traffickers can face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Although Indonesia has not carried out a drug-related execution since 2016, dozens of foreign nationals remain on death row in the country.
Malaysia airlines launches internal review
Malaysia Airlines said it is taking the allegations seriously and has launched an internal review.
The airline also said it would fully cooperate with the relevant authorities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
It declined to comment further while the Indonesian investigation is ongoing.
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