Malaysian pilot detained in Jakarta, accused of smuggling RM45m drugs abroad since 2024

Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said investigations found that the 39-year-old man is believed to have used his flight schedule to transport drugs to several destinations. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 16 Aug 2026 8:20 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — A local airline pilot, who was arrested in Indonesia last month in connection with the discovery of drugs worth RM45 million, is believed to have smuggled the illegal substances out of the country several times since 2024.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said investigations found that the 39-year-old man is believed to have used his flight schedule to transport drugs to several destinations.

“This was not the first time, because he had transported drugs to several countries on several occasions,” he said when contacted.

He said the man’s activities were uncovered during interrogation by a team of NCID officers in Jakarta recently.

Hussein said the interrogation also led to the discovery of the existence of several drug trafficking syndicate networks operating in Malaysia and abroad, including Indonesia.

Following this, he said the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is tracking down the remaining members of the syndicate involved and tracing the flow of proceeds from the drug trafficking activities, in addition to sharing the information with relevant international drug enforcement agencies.

Commenting on the suspect’s tactics in getting past stringent checks at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Hussein said investigations found that the man acted alone without the assistance of any “insider”.

“We are satisfied that there was no involvement of an insider in the process of the suspect passing through security checks at KLIA. However, the modus operandi used cannot be disclosed to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation,” he said.

He also expressed his appreciation to the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) for their close cooperation in assisting the investigation, especially during the interrogation of the suspect, which concluded on Friday (Aug 14).

Hussein had previously said that no extradition request would be made for the pilot, and that the suspect would have to undergo the legal process in Indonesia.

On July 29, the media reported that a 39-year-old pilot had been arrested by Indonesian authorities at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on suspicion of attempting to smuggle 25 kilogrammes (kg) of drugs.

According to POLRI, an inspection uncovered 15 packages containing 70,114 ecstasy and methamphetamine capsules, worth an estimated RM45 million based on Indonesian market prices. — Bernama