Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Directorate of Narcotics Crimes at the Indonesian National Police (INP) Criminal Investigation Agency revealed details regarding the arrest of a foreign pilot suspected of attempting to smuggle 25 kilograms of ecstasy into Indonesia.

Director of Narcotics Crimes Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso confirmed that the suspect, identified by the initials MSBO, is a Malaysian national. He was arrested on Tuesday

The arrest unfolded when Customs officials at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, performed X-ray scans on international passenger luggage. Officers identified suspicious contents within a suitcase, which was subsequently claimed by pilot MSBO.

A physical inspection of the luggage uncovered fourteen large packages containing ecstasy and one package of methamphetamine (sabu-sabu).

"The total evidence seized comprises 70,114 ecstasy pills with a net weight of 25,194.83 grams," Chief Eko said on Friday (31/7/2026).

Interrogations conducted jointly by Customs officers and Sub-directorate II of the Narcotics Crimes Directorate revealed that pilot MSBO was promised a payout of 50,000 Malaysian Ringgit to transport the illicit shipment to Jakarta. The suspect was instructed to check into a local hotel, where a contact coordinated from Malaysia was scheduled to retrieve the package.

Investigative findings also established that pilot MSBO had completed prior smuggling assignments, including transporting methamphetamine to Sabah, Malaysia, and delivering a 7-kilogram batch of methamphetamine to Jakarta during a previous trip.

Subsequent drug screenings indicated that the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), and cocaine.

The case has advanced to formal investigation, with the suspect detained at the Criminal Investigation Agency Detention Center. Pilot MSBO faces charges under Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)