We know how pilot cleared KLIA checks, say cops

Bukit Aman narcotics investigators have unraveled how the Malaysian pilot apprehended in Jakarta carried over 25kg of drugs past initial screening at KLIA, according to police chief Hussein Omar Khan. The pilot, identified as 39-year-old, was apprehended at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on July 29, 2021, with 25kg of ecstasy pills and 2.7g of methamphetamine.

Khan revealed that this crucial information came to light after two days of questioning the pilot in Jakarta. However, he declined to disclose the specifics, stating that Bukit Aman was actively pursuing leads to identify members of both local and foreign drug syndicates connected to the case. The pilot, who cooperated fully with the investigation, had no prior criminal record.

Indonesian authorities reported the pilot was a second officer in the cockpit jump seat during flight MH172 from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta. Malaysia Aviation Group subsequently mandated drug screening for all 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots in an effort to bolster security measures across all airports.