Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation said it will coordinate with Malaysia’s aviation authorities on possible administrative sanctions against a pilot suspected of smuggling 25 kilograms of ecstasy into Indonesia.
The ministry’s Head of Aviation Law Enforcement Sub-Directorate, Dody Dharma Cahyadi, said on Friday that the coordination was a follow-up to the pilot’s alleged involvement in a drug smuggling case.
“As a follow-up to this case, we will immediately coordinate closely with the Malaysian Ministry of Transportation,” he said.
According to Cahyadi, the pilot’s alleged involvement in narcotics trafficking is a serious concern since it could undermine aviation safety and security.
Meanwhile, Head of the Soekarno-Hatta Customs and Excise Office Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang said the suspect’s urine test results were positive for MDMA, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other narcotics.
He added that investigators are also examining allegations that the suspect had smuggled narcotics on multiple occasions by exploiting the special crew departure channel.
In this case, officers found 70,144 ecstasy pills hidden in the suspect’s personal luggage, as well as a small amount of methamphetamine.
Investigators are also probing the alleged involvement of other individuals suspected of operating the smuggling network.
The Ministry of Transportation said it will continue coordinating with Malaysian authorities and law enforcement agencies to ensure the legal process proceeds properly while pursuing administrative sanctions within the aviation authority’s jurisdiction.
Aritonang also said that the suspect smuggled the illicit goods after receiving a payment from the main actor, currently under investigation, of approximately 50,000 Ringgit, equivalent to Rp220 million (around US$11,800).
Before his arrest, the suspect was still flying Malaysia Airlines Flight MH 727 from Kuala Lumpur to Indonesia, carrying at least 170 passengers.
The case is currently under investigation, with the suspect being detained at the National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim).
For his actions, he is accused of violating Article 113 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 114 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 132 paragraph (1) of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics.
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Translator: Azmi Syamsul M, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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