Bukit Aman team going to Jakarta to probe if pilot linked to drug ring

Bukit Aman's narcotics investigation unit will be heading to Jakarta next week to probe a potential drug smuggling link involving a Malaysian pilot, according to Hussein Omar Khan, the department's director. The team, comprising investigators and intelligence officers, will be based in Jakarta from August 11 to 15 to complete their research.

Their objective is to examine the full extent of the drug distribution network, including the source of the suspect's supply, the syndicate involved, how he bypassed security checks at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and his ties with the Indonesian syndicate.

Khan emphasized the importance of identifying the complete distribution chain, possibly involving other entities. He clarified that Malaysia will not seek to extradite the 39-year-old pilot, as he must face legal proceedings in Indonesia. The pilot was apprehended by Indonesian authorities at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, allegedly attempting to smuggle 25kg of drugs.

This massive haul included 15 packages containing 70,114 ecstasy and methamphetamine capsules, with an estimated street value of approximately RM45 million.

In a related development, Hussein reported that police had recorded statements from two members of Kuala Lumpur International Airport's aviation security (Avsec) team two days ago. However, no arrests have been made yet, and the investigation found no direct connection between the Avsec officers and the suspect. Additionally, Hussein mentioned the ongoing investigation into another Malaysian man, aged 22, arrested at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya.

The police are probing the possibility of a connection between the two cases, as the syndicate involved is believed to have used third-party information for phone number registration and communication via social media to evade detection.