JAKARTA, July 31 – A Malaysian pilot was arrested in Jakarta after allegedly carrying 25 kilograms of drugs into Indonesia, including more than 70,000 ecstasy capsules, the Indonesian police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) said Friday.
Bareskrim’s Drug Crimes Director Brig. Gen. Eko Hadi Santoso said the suspect, identified by the initials MSBO, was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Tuesday (July 28).
During a security check at Terminal 3, customs officers found a suspicious object in MSBO’s luggage. Further inspection uncovered 14 large packages of ecstasy and one package of methamphetamine.
“A total of 70,114 drug capsules, with a net weight of 25,194.83 grams, were found,” Santoso said.
Police said MSBO was paid 50,000 Malaysian ringgit, or about US$12,200, to transport the drugs to Indonesia. The payment was allegedly arranged by a contact in Malaysia.
“Upon arriving in Jakarta, he would be informed by another individual, believed to be in Malaysia, that an accomplice would collect the drugs at his hotel,” Santoso said.
Police said MSBO had previously completed two drug-smuggling operations. He transported drugs to Sabah in Malaysia during the first and seven kilograms of methamphetamine to Jakarta during the second.
A urine test also showed MSBO had used drugs, with traces of ecstasy and methamphetamine detected, Santoso said.
MSBO is being held at the Bareskrim detention facility while the investigation continues, police said.
He faces charges under Articles 113(2), 114(2) and 132(1) of Indonesia’s Law No. 35/2009 on Narcotics, which carry severe penalties for drug trafficking. – ANTARA
