Seven arrested as eternal syndicate behind pilot drug smuggling, no KLIA insiders involved

A pilot walks towards the departure hall at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Sepang on August 3, 2026. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Friday, 06 Nov 2026 10:00 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 — Police are investigating whether there was internal involvement at KLIA after a Malaysian pilot was arrested in Jakarta for allegedly smuggling 26 kilogrammes of drugs.

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) confirmed the arrest of the pilot in Jakarta on July 29, 2026, according to a written parliamentary reply yesterday.

The reply was issued in response to Kepong Member of Parliament Lim Lip Eng, who asked the Home Ministry for the status of the investigation into the case and whether there was any involvement of internal parties at KLIA.

“The subject is currently undergoing investigation by the Indonesian authorities to be charged under Indonesian laws on drug smuggling and trafficking,” the reply stated.

Following the arrest, PDRM obtained further information from Indonesian authorities between August 11 and 15, 2026.

This intelligence helped police identify the syndicate network, including those who supplied, sent, and managed the syndicate’s finances.

Between August 20 and September 6, 2026, police crippled the syndicate and arrested seven Malaysian citizens.

Regarding the alleged involvement of KLIA insiders, police conducted investigations into aviation security, including the AVSEC Division.

“Based on the investigation results, there are no indications showing the involvement of any flight crew or internal parties at KLIA in the drug smuggling activity,” the reply stated.

Investigations found that KLIA procedures and security measures were implemented according to established standards.

The government stated the activity was organised by an external syndicate without indications of involvement from airport officers or ground crew.