Tangerang. The Indonesian police have arrested a Malaysian commercial airline pilot on suspicion of attempting to smuggle more than 25 kilograms of ecstasy into the country through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, authorities said on Friday.

The suspect, identified only by the initials MS, was also found to have tested positive for methamphetamine in a urine test, according to police.

Authorities said MS was arrested shortly before midnight on Tuesday, July 28, after customs officers flagged his suitcase for inspection when it passed through an X-ray scanner at the international arrivals terminal.

A subsequent search uncovered 14 packages containing 70,114 ecstasy pills, weighing a combined 25.19 kilograms, along with 2.7 grams of methamphetamine found inside a black backpack, according to Hengky Aritonang, head of the airport's customs office.

Investigators also seized the suspect's Malaysian passport, identification card, driver's license, a black iPhone 17e, and the pilot's uniform he was wearing at the time of the arrest.

According to police, MS told investigators during initial questioning that he had been instructed by another individual to transport the narcotics to Jakarta in exchange for 50,000 Malaysian ringgit. He allegedly said he was to receive further instructions from a contact believed to be in Malaysia before delivering the drugs to a recipient at a hotel in Jakarta.

Police said the suspect also claimed he had carried out two previous drug-smuggling operations, including transporting methamphetamine to Sabah and later bringing about 7 kilograms of methamphetamine into Jakarta. Those statements have not been independently verified and remain part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities said the positive drug test further supports their suspicion that MS was involved in an international narcotics trafficking network.

The National Police said the investigation is continuing as officers seek to identify other members of the alleged trafficking syndicate. Investigators are also examining digital evidence, questioning additional witnesses, and preparing the case for prosecutors.

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