Key developments: A second Malaysian pilot was arrested in the Klang Valley for allegedly handling proceeds from an airport drug-smuggling ring. The probe began after a July 28 arrest at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, when authorities discovered 70,114 ecstasy pills (~26 kg) and 4 g of methamphetamine on a Malaysia Airlines crew member identified as MS, who later tested positive for multiple drugs. Six more suspects were detained in August, bringing total arrests to seven; the second pilot reportedly tested negative in drug screening.
Second Malaysian Pilot Arrested in Drug-Smuggling Probe After Massive Ecstasy Seizure
Indonesian Customs officials display the uniform of a Malaysia Airlines pilot accused of smuggling drugs into the country.Credit: AFP/Getty
A second Malaysian pilot has been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into an airport-linked drug-smuggling ring, authorities said. The arrest follows an earlier detention in July when a Malaysia Airlines crew member was caught carrying a large shipment of illegal drugs at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
On July 28, Indonesian customs officers stopped a man identified only by his initials, MS, in the baggage inspection area at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang. Video released by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise shows the man retrieving luggage from a carousel and moving toward a controlled customs checkpoint, where officers say they found significant quantities of narcotics in his bag.
Officials say they seized 70,114 ecstasy pills—approximately 26 kilograms (57 pounds)—and about 4 grams of methamphetamine. Investigators also reported finding a small bottle of urine that they suspect was intended to falsify drug-test results.
Indonesian National Police later reported that MS tested positive for multiple substances, including MDMA, ecstasy, methamphetamine and cocaine. Authorities say subsequent inquiries suggested MS had taken part in previous smuggling runs, allegedly transporting methamphetamine to Sabah in Malaysia and delivering a separate 7-kilogram package to Jakarta on an earlier trip.
Inside Soekarno-Hatta International AirportCredit: Ed Wray/Getty
In a company statement, Malaysia Airlines said the detained crew member was an off-duty second officer who had been seated in the cockpit jump seat as an observer and was not one of the two pilots operating the flight. The carrier added that the flight—carrying 170 passengers—was safely flown by two qualified crew members. Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) described the individual's actions as "completely unacceptable" and announced mandatory drug screening for all Malaysia Airlines pilots following the initial arrest.
During a Sept. 9 press briefing, Bukit Aman’s Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) confirmed the arrest of a second pilot in Malaysia’s Klang Valley region. NCID director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the man, described as being in his 30s, was detained on suspicion of handling proceeds from the drug sales and specifically assisting with money transfers linked to the operation. Investigators said this second suspect tested negative in drug screenings.
"He was caught in the Klang Valley area and is in his 30s. He was involved in the handling of the money, specifically in the transferring of money," Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said at the briefing.
Authorities previously arrested six additional suspects between Aug. 11 and 15 who are believed to have acted as suppliers and couriers for the smuggling ring. With the new arrest, officials say the total number of detainees connected to the case has reached seven.
The investigation remains active as police and customs officials continue to pursue others allegedly involved and seek to trace the full network behind the operation. Media outlets and PEOPLE have reached out to local law enforcement and Malaysia Airlines for additional comment.
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