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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Crime & Justice

Malaysia Airlines Investigates Pilot Arrested in Indonesia for Alleged Drug Smuggling

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • Malaysia Airlines is investigating a pilot arrested by Indonesian police for alleged drug smuggling.
  • The airline stated it takes drug violation allegations seriously and is cooperating with Indonesian authorities.
  • Police seized ecstasy and methamphetamine from the pilot, who reportedly confessed to being paid to transport the drugs.

Malaysia Airlines has responded to the arrest of one of its pilots by Indonesian authorities for alleged drug smuggling. The pilot, identified by the initial MSO, was apprehended by the Indonesian National Police's Narcotics Crime Directorate at Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

Malaysia Airlines takes allegations of drug violations very seriously.

— Malaysia AirlinesThe airline's official statement regarding the pilot's arrest.

The airline stated it is taking the allegations seriously. "Malaysia Airlines takes allegations of drug violations very seriously," the company said in an official statement. They confirmed they are cooperating fully with Indonesian police and relevant agencies throughout the ongoing investigation. The airline declined to comment further on the specifics of the case or the suspect's technical status, deferring to the Indonesian authorities.

Indonesian police reported seizing a significant quantity of drugs from the pilot, including 70,114 ecstasy pills totaling 25.19 kilograms and packages of methamphetamine. The pilot, a foreign national, reportedly admitted to being offered 50,000 Malaysian ringgit to transport the illicit substances to Jakarta. His urine tests also indicated the presence of methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine.

As this matter is still under investigation by the Indonesian authorities, it is not appropriate for the airline to provide further comment at this stage.

— Malaysia AirlinesThe airline's explanation for not commenting further on the ongoing investigation.

Malaysia Airlines emphasized its commitment to operational safety, security, and integrity. "Malaysia Airlines reiterates that we do not tolerate any form of violations and are currently conducting an internal review regarding the matter. The safety, security, and integrity of our operations remain our top priority," the statement concluded. The airline is conducting its own internal investigation alongside the police inquiry.

Malaysia Airlines reiterates that we do not tolerate any form of violations and are currently conducting an internal review regarding the matter. The safety, security, and integrity of our operations remain our top priority.

— Malaysia AirlinesThe airline's concluding remarks on its zero-tolerance policy and internal review.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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