Indonesia arrested a Malaysian pilot who allegedly smuggled 26 kilograms of the mind-altering drug MDMA into the capital Jakarta while on the job and under the influence of drugs, the customs office said on Friday.
The pilot, 39, was arrested on Wednesday at Jakarta's main airport.
The pilot, who was identified by the initials MS, had just flown a Malaysian Airlines plane from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta, said customs officer Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang in a press conference on Friday.
Named a criminal suspect, the pilot had brought MDMA in a suitcase to Jakarta at the request of an unidentified person with the promise of a 50,000 ringgit ($12,239.90) reward, the customs office said.
The pilot had been under the influence of cocaine and methamphetamine after a urine test, Hengky said, adding Indonesia and Malaysian authorities are in communication.
Hengky said the pilot was a courier.
Malaysia Airlines declined to comment on the case as it was under investigation, but said it does not tolerate any form of misconduct and is currently conducting an internal review into the matter. The company added that it will cooperate with relevant authorities.
Indonesia has strict drug laws and in 2015 executed two Australians in the Bali Nine drug ring for attempting to smuggle heroin out of the resort island of Bali.
-Reuters
The pilot, 39, was arrested on Wednesday at Jakarta's main airport.
The pilot, who was identified by the initials MS, had just flown a Malaysian Airlines plane from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta, said customs officer Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang in a press conference on Friday.
Named a criminal suspect, the pilot had brought MDMA in a suitcase to Jakarta at the request of an unidentified person with the promise of a 50,000 ringgit ($12,239.90) reward, the customs office said.
The pilot had been under the influence of cocaine and methamphetamine after a urine test, Hengky said, adding Indonesia and Malaysian authorities are in communication.
Hengky said the pilot was a courier.
Malaysia Airlines declined to comment on the case as it was under investigation, but said it does not tolerate any form of misconduct and is currently conducting an internal review into the matter. The company added that it will cooperate with relevant authorities.
Indonesia has strict drug laws and in 2015 executed two Australians in the Bali Nine drug ring for attempting to smuggle heroin out of the resort island of Bali.
-Reuters
Latest News
Brazilian Supreme Court justice authorises investigation into president's son
Local
31 July 2026
Swiss National Bank posts big Q2 profit thanks to share price rally
Local
31 July 2026
Indonesia arrests Malaysian pilot for allegedly smuggling 26 kg MDMA, customs office says
Local
31 July 2026
Cuba takes steps to implement economic overhaul amid US pressure campaign
Local
31 July 2026
3 arrested for setting container on fire following Negombo fatal crash
Local
31 July 2026
Trump threatens to pull attorney general nominee amid GOP revolt
Local
31 July 2026
Chinese President stresses political guidance, innovation in military modernisation
Local
31 July 2026
Customs warns air passengers against transporting parcels for third parties
Local
31 July 2026
Bank of Japan keeps rates steady
Local
31 July 2026
Most Australian teens still on social media three months after under-16 ban began, study finds
Local
31 July 2026