Malaysia Airlines pilot detained in Jakarta for alleged 26kg drug haul and intoxicated flight

Indonesian authorities arrested a Malaysia Airlines pilot in Jakarta after discovering 26 kg of ecstasy and methamphetamine in his luggage and reporting a positive drug test while he was on duty.

A Malaysia Airlines captain was taken into custody in Jakarta after customs officers uncovered over 70,000 ecstasy tablets weighing 26 kg and four grams of methamphetamine concealed in his suitcase. A subsequent urine analysis reportedly showed cocaine, ecstasy and methamphetamine, leading officials to claim the pilot flew while under the influence. The pilot, referred to as MS, had landed from Kuala Lumpur on flight MH727 when the luggage was flagged during X-ray screening.

Indonesian police allege the meth was for personal consumption and the ecstasy destined for sale, and that the crew member had attempted similar smuggling trips, including one to Sabah, Malaysia. Authorities are now probing an alleged international drug-trafficking ring linked to the case. Malaysia Airlines said it is conducting an internal review and will cooperate fully, while the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency is examining how the pilot passed airport screening unnoticed.