Jakarta: A local airline pilot, who was arrested in Indonesia last month in connection with the discovery of drugs worth RM45 million, is believed to have smuggled the illegal substances out of the country several times since 2024.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) Datuk Hussein Omar Khan stated that investigations revealed the 39-year-old man is suspected of using his flight schedule to transport drugs to multiple destinations. "This was not the first time, because he had transported drugs to several countries on several occasions," Hussein mentioned during a recent contact.
The suspect's activities were exposed during interrogation by a team of NCID officers in Jakarta. The questioning also unearthed the involvement of several drug trafficking syndicate networks operating in Malaysia and internationally, including Indonesia. In response, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is actively pursuing the remaining syndicate members and tracing the financial flow from these drug trafficking activities. The PDRM is also collaborating with relevant international drug enforcement agencies to share information.
Commenting on how the suspect managed to evade stringent checks at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Hussein confirmed that the pilot acted independently without any insider assistance. "We are satisfied that there was no involvement of an insider in the process of the suspect passing through security checks at KLIA. However, the modus operandi used cannot be disclosed to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation," he stated.
Hussein expressed gratitude towards the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) for their cooperation during the investigation, particularly in the interrogation process, which concluded on August 14. Hussein also noted that no extradition request would be made for the pilot, who will undergo the legal process in Indonesia.
On July 29, media reports indicated that a 39-year-old pilot had been arrested by Indonesian authorities at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on suspicion of attempting to smuggle 25 kilogrammes (kg) of drugs. POLRI reported an inspection revealed 15 packages containing 70,114 ecstasy and methamphetamine capsules, valued at approximately RM45 million based on Indonesian market prices.