Pilot who flew under the influence of drugs faces execution
A 39-year-old commercial pilot arriving from Kuala Lumpur was detained at Jakarta airport. During a search, 14 packages containing over 70,000 ecstasy pills and about 4 grams of methamphetamine were found. Tests showed drugs in his blood, indicating he flew under their influence. He faces the death penalty, although Indonesia has a moratorium on executions.
At Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, a 39-year-old commercial pilot arriving from Kuala Lumpur was detained. The man, identified in the case by the initials MSO, tried to avoid a thorough search, relying on privileges for flight crew members, but inspectors thwarted this attempt. During a hand-luggage inspection, customs officers seized 14 sealed packages containing over 70,000 ecstasy pills (MDMA) and about 4 grams of methamphetamine, which investigators believe were intended for personal use. Immediately after the arrest, the suspect underwent a medical examination. According to airport customs official Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang, a urine test showed the presence of methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine, indicating that the pilot was heavily under the influence of drugs during the flight. Malaysia Airlines management stated its readiness to fully cooperate with the investigation. Indonesia is known for having one of the world's strictest drug laws, and for such large-scale smuggling, the pilot could face the death penalty by firing squad. However, the country has had a moratorium on carrying out the death penalty for several years, with the last execution taking place in 2016. The investigation is ongoing.