A Malaysia Airlines pilot has been arrested in Jakarta after Indonesian authorities allegedly found around 26 kilograms of MDMA, equivalent to more than 70,000 ecstasy pills, and a small quantity of methamphetamine in his luggage.
The pilot was detained at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, where police said they discovered 14 packages containing MDMA and additional methamphetamine.
A urine test conducted following his arrest reportedly tested positive for cocaine, MDMA and methamphetamine. Investigators also found a bottle containing clean urine in his bag, which they suspect was intended to be used to manipulate a drug test.
During questioning, the pilot allegedly admitted that he had been promised approximately $13,000 to transport the drugs. He also reportedly told investigators that this was the third time he had smuggled narcotics into Indonesia.
Indonesian authorities are working with Malaysian police as they investigate whether the pilot was connected to a larger international drug-trafficking network.
Malaysia Airlines said it has launched an internal investigation and stressed that it has zero tolerance for violations of the law. The airline said it is fully cooperating with the authorities.
If convicted, the pilot could face life imprisonment or the death penalty, as Indonesia maintains some of the world’s toughest penalties for drug trafficking.
