A Malaysian pilot detained in Jakarta, Indonesia, over an alleged drug smuggling case has had his detention extended by another 30 days after completing an initial 60-day detention period.
Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the 39-year-old suspect is now being held under a court order for another 30 days.
He said the development had been communicated to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) by Indonesia’s Narcotics Crime Directorate.
“The Malaysian police were informed by the Indonesian narcotics authorities. The case is still under investigation and assessment.
“They have extended the detention period for the pilot,” he told Sinar Harian on Saturday.
The Malaysian pilot was reportedly arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta in July in connection with the investigation.
Indonesian authorities seized 15 packages containing about 70,000 capsules suspected to be ecstasy and methamphetamine, with a combined weight of around 25kg during the arrest.
The case is being investigated jointly by Indonesian and Malaysian authorities following allegations that employees of a Malaysian airline were involved in drug smuggling activities.
Hussein said the pilot’s detention could be extended for another 30 days under Indonesian law.
“The period can be extended for another 30 days,” he said.
Meanwhile, another pilot and six other individuals arrested in Malaysia over their alleged links to the syndicate have been placed under 60-day detention orders under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985.
