The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will send a team of investigators and intelligence officers from the Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) to Jakarta, Indonesia, next week to assist in the investigation into a Malaysian pilot accused of drug smuggling.
NCID Director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the team will be in Jakarta from August 11 to 15 to gather further information on the syndicate believed to be behind the case.
He said the investigation will focus on identifying the source of the drugs, the syndicate involved, how the narcotics were obtained, how the suspect allegedly passed security screening at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), and any links to criminal networks operating in Indonesia.
“The investigation is important to establish the entire drug trafficking chain, including the possible involvement of other individuals,” Hussein told Bernama after appearing as a guest on Bernama Radio’s Waspada programme on Wednesday.
Commenting on the pilot’s legal status, Hussein said Malaysia will not seek extradition, as the suspect must undergo legal proceedings in Indonesia.
“There will be no extradition. We can monitor the progress of the case, and the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) will share updates, but the suspect must face the legal process in Indonesia,” he said.
The case involves a 39-year-old Malaysian pilot who was arrested at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport after allegedly attempting to smuggle 25 kilograms of drugs into Indonesia.
According to Indonesian police, authorities seized 15 packages containing 70,114 ecstasy and methamphetamine capsules, with an estimated street value of RM45 million based on Indonesian market prices.
In a related development, Hussein said police recorded statements from two Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers at KLIA two days ago as part of the ongoing investigation.
However, he said no arrests have been made, as investigations found that both officers had no direct connection to the suspect.
Hussein also said police are investigating whether the pilot’s case is linked to the recent arrest of another 22-year-old Malaysian man at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya on separate drug smuggling allegations.
He noted that the Surabaya investigation has been more challenging because the syndicate is believed to have used third-party identities to register phone numbers and communicated through social media to avoid detection.
The Johor man was arrested after Indonesian authorities allegedly found about one kilogram of methamphetamine and more than 1,000 ecstasy pills concealed on his body.
