The police will travel to Indonesia next week to investigate the transnational drug trafficking syndicate behind the "Malaysian pilot suspected of drug trafficking" case, and have confirmed that earlier investigations into two Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel have so far found no direct links to the pilot involved in the case.
Datuk Husin, Director of the National Narcotics Crime Investigation Department, stated that officers from Bukit Aman will arrange for investigators and intelligence personnel to go to Jakarta, Indonesia, from next Tuesday (11th) to Friday (15th) this month, to work with the Indonesian police on a deeper investigation into the transnational drug syndicate behind this case.
In an interview with the New Straits Times, he said the focus of the police investigation includes the source of the drugs, the smuggling methods, how the pilot involved passed through KLIA's security procedures, and whether he had connections with the Indonesian drug syndicate.
"The police will thoroughly investigate the entire drug supply chain to clarify the origin of the drugs, identify those involved in the syndicate, and confirm whether there are any other parties involved."
When asked about the legal proceedings for the 39-year-old pilot, Husin pointed out that Malaysian police will not request for his extradition from Indonesia because the suspect must first undergo local judicial procedures in Indonesia.
He stressed that there are currently no extradition arrangements, and that Malaysian police will continue to maintain contact with the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) to keep up with the latest developments in the case.
On the other hand, he revealed that police had taken statements from the two KLIA AVSEC personnel two days ago to assist in the investigation.
He confirmed that so far, police have not arrested any aviation security personnel and the investigation has not found a direct connection between the two and the pilot involved.
In addition, police are also investigating whether this case is related to another incident involving a 22-year-old Malaysian man who was arrested in another drug case at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Husin admitted that investigating work faces some difficulties because the syndicate in question is suspected of registering mobile phone numbers under other people's identities and contacting members through social media to evade law enforcement investigations.
Background
The 39-year-old local suspect, who works as a pilot, was caught by local law enforcement at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Terminal 3 on the 29th of last month, with 14 packets containing a total of 70,114 ecstasy pills (weighing about 26 kilograms).
The authorities also found 4 grams of methamphetamine, meant for his personal use, in his handbag.
According to reports, the suspect admitted to acting as a drug mule. He was commissioned by a cross-border drug syndicate to traffic drugs for a reward of RM50,000.
This sensational case has prompted the Cabinet to agree to strengthen national aviation security control measures, and the police will soon be stationed in the aviation security department at airports to enhance the country’s aviation security system.