Sunday, August 30, 2026

39-year-old Malaysian pilot faces death penalty over alleged drug smuggling in Indonesia

The pilot, identified only as MS, was arrested with more than 70,000 ecstasy pills in his luggage.

• July 31, 2026
Aerial view of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta (edited horizon). The view taken in 2 January 2010 from Garuda Indonesia airplane during take-off. The architecture reflect Indonesian vernacular architecture of Javanese Joglo roof with Pendopo as gate lounges (waiting hall) surrounded with tropical gardens.

A 39-year-old Malaysian pilot, identified only as MS, has been arrested with more than 70,000 ecstasy pills in his luggage in Indonesia, police said on Friday.

The suspect was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport after flying passengers from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta late on Wednesday.

Authorities said a urine test showed that the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine.

“The results of his urine test came back positive for meth, MDMA, and cocaine. So, at the time of the flight, he was under the influence,” airport customs official Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang told reporters.

“What concerns all of us is that this person’s profession is a pilot, and at the time he arrived, he had just flown that plane from Kuala Lumpur to Indonesia,” he added.

Customs officers said they found 14 bags containing more than 70,000 ecstasy pills in the pilot’s checked luggage, along with four grams of methamphetamine in his hand luggage, which investigators believe was intended for personal use.

Authorities said the suspect had likely expected to pass through a dedicated customs lane for flight crew but was subjected to the same screening procedures as other travellers.

If convicted of drug trafficking under Indonesian law, the suspect could face the death penalty.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

No sugar sign

Health

Paediatrician warns parents against excessive sugar consumption in children

Mr Ibrahim advised parents to provide regular meals and encourage children to drink water more.

Scattered ballot papers

NationWide

2027: Lawyers call for stronger action against vote-buying, electoral violence

Ms Asagba urged Nigerians to see their votes as a tool for determining the future of the country.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Heading 4

U.S. court jails Nigerian Olusegun Adejorin eight years for stealing $7.5 million from charities

Mr Adejorin was extradited from Ghana to the U.S. to face trial over his criminal activities in August 2024.

National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP)

Health

Early diagnosis key to effective cancer treatment, FG says

The coordinator also emphasised that cancer treatment should be individualised.