Malaysian pilot detained in Jakarta over alleged drug smuggling gets another 30 days in custody

A Malaysian pilot detained in Jakarta for allegedly smuggling over 26kg of drugs has been granted an additional 30 days of custody by Indonesian authorities. The pilot, who was initially arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in July, had more than 70,000 ecstasy pills and 2.7g of methamphetamine on him. Bukit Aman narcotics crime investigation department director Hussein Omar Khan informed that the suspect had completed his initial 60-day detention period, and the court order has been extended for another 30 days. This extension can be further extended by another 30 days.

Moreover, Hussein Omar Khan stated that another pilot and six other individuals detained in Malaysia due to their alleged connections to a drug syndicate have been placed under 60-day detention orders under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985. The first pilot, from Malaysia Airlines, was arrested after being found with the large quantity of drugs.

Reports suggest that the pilot was offered RM50,000 to smuggle the drugs. Another pilot, who worked for a different airline, was arrested last month on suspicion of being linked to the drug smuggling syndicate connected to the first pilot. Six Malaysian men were also detained following the questioning of the first pilot by a team of Bukit Aman officers between August 11 and 15 in Jakarta.