Malaysian pilot arrested in Jakarta for trying to smuggle 26 kg of MDMA

A MALAYSIAN pilot risks the death penalty after he was arrested by Indonesian authorities in Jakarta after attempting to smuggle 26 kilograms (kg) of the mind-altering drug MDMA, which is commonly known as Ecstasy, in his suitcase while on duty.

Customs officials found 14 bags of Ecstasy – more than 70,000 tablets – in the pilot’s suitcase, and 4g of methamphetamine in his hand luggage.

Customs officer Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang said the pilot, known as MS, was also under the influence of drugs following a urine test.

According to him, the suspect is 39 years old and was arrested at the main airport in Jakarta yesterday.

The suspect had operated Malaysia Airlines flight MH727 from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta before he was arrested at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

“MS was confirmed as a suspect after being found carrying MDMA in a suitcase to Jakarta on the instructions of an unidentified individual, and promised a payment of RM50,000.

"Urine tests also found that the suspect was under the influence of cocaine and methamphetamine," he said.

Hengky explained that the suspect is believed to be acting as a drug courier.

"Indonesian and Malaysian authorities are in close contact to investigate this matter," he said.

In a statement to investigators, the suspect said this was the third time he had attempted to smuggle drugs. He said he had previously tried to smuggle drugs to Indonesia once and to Malaysia once.

Awaludin Amin, an officer in the Indonesian national police’s drugs crime unit, said the police strongly suspected the pilot of being part of an international syndicate, and he had been charged with violating Indonesia’s drugs law.

Under the law, the suspect risks the death penalty or a life sentence if found guilty.

Apart from Malaysia, Indonesia is also known to implement strict laws for drug-related offences.

In 2015, two Australians were sentenced to death after being found guilty of being involved in the Bali Nine drug syndicate and trying to smuggle heroin out of Bali.

In a statement to Bernama today, Malaysia Airlines said it would not be appropriate to comment further as the matter remains under investigation by the Indonesian authorities.

The airline said it would cooperate with the relevant authorities in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. - July 31, 2026