No ‘insider’ helped Malaysian pilot evade KLIA checks, say cops

Preliminary police investigations have concluded that the Malaysian pilot detained in Indonesia for allegedly smuggling over 26 kilograms of drugs did not receive assistance from any "insiders" in bypassing security checks at KLIA, according to Bukit Aman narcotics crime investigation department director Hussein Omar Khan.

The pilot, who was apprehended at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta on July 29, was found in possession of more than 70,000 ecstasy pills and 2.7 grams of methamphetamine. He had reportedly been offered RM50,000 to smuggle the drugs.

Khan stated that the method used by the pilot to evade airport security checks has been kept confidential to prevent compromising the ongoing police investigation. However, during questioning sessions in Jakarta, the pilot provided valuable information regarding international drug syndicates operating in multiple countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia.

Indonesian authorities initially announced the pilot's arrest, but Malaysia Aviation Group later clarified that the individual in question was actually a second officer traveling in the cockpit jump seat, not a member of the flight crew operating the aircraft. As a result of the investigation, Malaysia Aviation Group has initiated drug screening for all 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots, and authorities are tightening security screening procedures at all airports.