The Malaysia Airlines pilot detained in Indonesia over an alleged attempt to smuggle more than 70,000 ecstasy pills has no previous drug-related or criminal record in Malaysia, police have confirmed.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said checks conducted by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) found no records linked to drug offences involving the suspect.
“The subject has no record with PDRM,” he told BH today.
Hussein said investigations into the case, including cooperation with Indonesian authorities, were still ongoing and further details would be announced once appropriate.
He added that all matters related to the investigation remained under the NCID’s attention, including efforts to identify the source of the drugs and individuals believed to be involved in the smuggling operation.
Previously, police confirmed that the NCID had received official information from Indonesian authorities and had launched investigations in Malaysia to determine the drug supply chain and those who may have directed the suspect.
The investigation will also look into the possibility of a syndicate in Malaysia using airline crew members or air travel routes for drug trafficking activities.
Authorities are expected to review closed-circuit television (CCTV) recordings at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), as well as baggage scanner images, as part of the investigation.
On July 30, Indonesian authorities reported that a 39-year-old Malaysia Airlines pilot was arrested at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta after customs officers detected suspicious items in his luggage during an X-ray screening.
Further inspection uncovered 14 large packages containing 70,114 ecstasy pills weighing 25.19kg, along with 2.75g of methamphetamine and 0.08g of methamphetamine residue found inside a glass pipe.
According to Indonesian police, initial investigations found that the suspect allegedly admitted receiving RM50,000 to transport the drugs to Jakarta before handing them over to another individual at a hotel as instructed by a person believed to be based in Malaysia.
Indonesian authorities also claimed the suspect had previously carried out drug-related activities on three occasions, including transporting methamphetamine to Sabah and Jakarta before the latest attempt was foiled.
A urine screening reportedly showed the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine.
If convicted under Indonesian narcotics laws, the suspect could face severe penalties including the death sentence, life imprisonment or imprisonment ranging from six to 20 years.
