Malaysia Airlines Pilot Arrested in Indonesia for Allegedly Smuggling 70,100 Ecstasy Pills and Methamphetamine

Indonesian authorities have released a video showing the moment a Malaysia Airlines pilot arrived in Jakarta before being taken into custody on allegations of bringing drugs into the country. The Malaysian citizen was arrested on July 28 after authorities allegedly found more than 70,100 ecstasy pills weighing 26 kilograms and four grams of methamphetamine hidden in his luggage. Indonesia has strict drug laws, with aircrew routinely providing warnings about capital punishment before aircraft land. On Monday, Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise posted CCTV video on their official Instagram account. According to the video, authorities became suspicious about the luggage after it was X-ray scanned. The video shows a man in a white pilot's uniform taking luggage from a carousel to a customs control area where his bags are searched and the drugs allegedly discovered. "The authorities also seized a small bottle containing urine, which was suspected to have been intended for use in falsifying a urine test," the video said. Positive drug test The authorities conducted a drug test on the pilot and later alleged he was under the influence while he was flying. During a press conference on Friday, the authorities said the pilot, who was only identified as MS, had just landed from Kuala Lumpur. "We believe that the methamphetamine is for personal use, while the ecstasy was meant to be sold widely in Indonesia," Indonesian customs officer Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritongan said. Authorities also alleged the pilot had exploited the crew baggage handling system by concealing the drugs beneath clothing in his luggage. Separately, the Indonesian police narcotics crimes unit told reporters a preliminary investigation indicated the pilot had attempted to transport drugs three times, including to Sabah state in Malaysia. The police said the pilot admitted to receiving orders from a dealer to bring the drugs to Jakarta and promised a reward of 50,000 Malaysian Ringgit ($17,373). The Indonesian police said they were now investigating an international drug trafficking network after the pilot's arrest. "The suspects are still believed to be in the Jakarta area. We are working with Customs and other stakeholders to uncover the remaining network," Awaludin Amin from the Indonesian police told reporters. Malaysian airport screening probe Local media reports said the pilot was on duty for flight MH727, a Boeing 737-800 with a capacity of up to 182 passengers flying from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta. Malaysia Airlines said they took the allegations seriously and had launched an internal review. "Malaysia Airlines will extend its full cooperation to the relevant authorities in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations," said the statement released on Friday quoted from local media. The airline declined further comment pending the Indonesian investigation, but added that safety, security, and the integrity of its operations remained its top priority. During a press conference on Monday, the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency said screening for passengers and aircrews was conducted as usual on the day of the flight and found nothing suspicious when the pilot's luggage was screened. "We are waiting for the response from the police so that we can study how he had passed through the screenings without being flagged," Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain from the agency said. He also defended the airport's security, including aircrew screening, saying that his agency had intercepted several attempts of drug transporting. "If the police see there is foul play involved from my officers, then there will be no stone left unturned," he told reporters.