Malaysian Airlines pilot intercepted at Jakarta airport with 70,000 ecstasy pills

A Malaysia Airlines pilot has been arrested in Indonesia after allegedly attempting to smuggle more than 70,000 ecstasy pills through Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Authorities also claim he flew a commercial flight carrying more than 170 passengers while under the influence of illegal drugs, according to New York Post. 

Surveillance footage released by Indonesian customs shows the 39-year-old Malaysian pilot, identified only by the initials MS, arriving from Kuala Lumpur and collecting his luggage before heading to customs.

Although he was initially directed to a fast-track lane reserved for flight crews, officers flagged him for a secondary inspection based on a risk assessment.

During the search, customs officials allegedly found 57 pounds of ecstasy, amounting to more than 70,000 pills, and four grams of methamphetamine concealed inside his luggage.

Officers also recovered a small bottle containing urine, which investigators believe was intended to help him evade drug testing.

Subsequent tests allegedly found MDMA, ecstasy, methamphetamine and cocaine in his system.

According to Soekarno-Hatta Airport Customs and Excise chief Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang, the results suggest the pilot was under the influence while operating the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta.

Investigators said the suspect confessed he had been promised about Sh1.7 million (50,000 Malaysian ringgit) to deliver the drugs to a hotel in Jakarta.

Authorities further claimed he admitted to previous drug trafficking operations, including transporting methamphetamine to Sabah, Malaysia, and smuggling another 15 pounds of the drug into Jakarta on an earlier trip.

Malaysia Airlines said it is cooperating with Indonesian authorities and has launched an internal investigation, stressing that it has a zero-tolerance policy on employee misconduct.

The pilot remains in custody at Indonesia's National Police Criminal Investigation Agency and faces multiple narcotics charges. Under Indonesia's tough anti-drug laws, he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.