Malaysia Airlines Co-Pilot Smuggled Ecstasy into Indonesia Three Times, Paid Rp219 Million
A co-pilot of Malaysia Airlines, Mohd Saufi bin Othman (39), has allegedly smuggled ecstasy into Indonesia three times. For his latest operation, Saufi reportedly received a payment of 50,000 Malaysian ringgit, equivalent to approximately Rp219.4 million. “Fifty thousand ringgit, that is for the third case,” said the Head of Sub-Directorate 2 of the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim), Senior Commissioner Awaludin Amin, on Tuesday (4/8/2026).
According to Awaludin, investigators are still probing the possibility of Saufi’s involvement in an international drug network. Police are also tracing other potential smuggling activities that have not yet been uncovered. “Based on our interrogation and the suspect’s examination report, he stated that he brought these illegal goods into Indonesia three times. Twice to Jakarta and once to another area. There is a possibility that this number could increase, so we ask for time to conduct a thorough investigation into this suspect,” he explained.
Customs and Excise officials have handed Saufi over to Bareskrim for legal proceedings. During the examination, it was revealed that Saufi tested positive for three types of drugs. He is suspected of being under the influence of narcotics during the flight. In addition to the narcotics, officers found other evidence, including a small bottle containing ‘reserve’ urine. The urine was allegedly prepared by Saufi to falsify a urine test if a random inspection were conducted at the airport.
Malaysia Airlines has issued a statement regarding the arrest of its pilot for smuggling dozens of kilogrammes of ecstasy. The airline stated it would cooperate with the Indonesian authorities in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. As reported by Malaysian national news agency Bernama, Malaysia Airlines said it was refraining from further comment but was taking the allegations seriously. In its statement to Bernama, the Malaysian national carrier said it was not appropriate to comment further as the matter is still under investigation by the Indonesian authorities. “Malaysia Airlines wishes to reiterate that it does not tolerate any form of misconduct and is currently conducting an internal review of the matter,” the statement read.