Second pilot nabbed as Malaysia-Indonesia drug probe widens

 

Police have detained another pilot as investigations continue into a drug-trafficking operation linked to a Malaysian co-pilot arrested in Jakarta with an estimated RM45 million worth of drugs.

The latest suspect, in his 30s, was arrested in the Klang Valley two days ago and is employed by a different airline from the co-pilot detained in Indonesia.

Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Hussein Omar Khan said the pilot is believed to have played a role in handling money connected to the syndicate.

"Investigations revealed that the second pilot was allegedly involved in the flow of cash between the syndicate and the second officer.

"Drug tests conducted showed that he tested negative for drugs. So this arrest brings the total arrests to seven as of now," Hussein (below) told reporters.

The investigation had earlier led to the arrest of six people, following information obtained when NCID officers questioned the first pilot during their Aug 11 to 15 visit to Jakarta.

Those detained are believed to have acted as suppliers and couriers, allegedly supplying the drugs that were subsequently handed over to the first pilot.

Seven held so far

The latest arrest brings the total number of suspects detained in connection with the case to seven.

The investigation began after Indonesian authorities arrested the Malaysian second officer, 39, on Aug 16, shortly after he arrived at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Malaysia Airlines flight MH727 from Kuala Lumpur.

Police subsequently found 14 packets containing 70,114 ecstasy pills, weighing about 25kg, in his luggage.

Another 4g of methamphetamine was discovered in his hand luggage.

The drugs were estimated to have a street value of around RM45 million.

Indonesian police said the co-pilot had allegedly been offered RM50,000 to transport the drugs to Jakarta, where another individual was supposed to collect the consignment from a hotel. - Mkini