Malaysia Airlines Pilot Tests Positive for Three Drugs, Carried 'Clean' Urine to Deceive Officials
The illegal activities of a Malaysia Airlines pilot, Mohd Saufi bin Othman (39), who was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Soetta) for alleged drug smuggling, have been uncovered. The pilot tested positive for the consumption of three types of narcotics.
“From the results of the urine test, it turns out he tested positive for methamphetamine, ecstasy, and cocaine. Therefore, he was under the influence while flying,” said the Head of Soekarno-Hatta Customs, Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang, to reporters on Sunday (2/8/2026).
Soetta Customs spokesperson, Satria Yudhatama, stated that the perpetrator attempted to deceive officials by carrying a bottle of ‘clean’ urine as a precaution. “Based on information from the supervision unit, a bottle containing urine was indeed found, which was an anticipation measure in case a urine test was conducted,” he said.
However, he had not yet used the substitute urine when the test was performed. The urine in the bottle was intended for use during unexpected inspections. “Inside the suspect’s bag, a small bottle containing a yellow liquid, which turned out to be urine, was found. According to his confession, the bottle contained ‘clean’ urine from before he consumed narcotics. He planned to use it if there were sudden urine tests by the airline or aviation authorities,” he explained.
Chronology of the Arrest
The Director of Narcotics Crime at the Indonesian National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri), Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, explained that the Malaysian pilot was apprehended after Customs officers grew suspicious during an X-ray inspection of passenger luggage at Terminal 3 International Arrivals at Soetta Airport on Tuesday (28/7/2026) at approximately 23:30 WIB.
“Officers noticed a suspicious suitcase, which was then claimed by its owner, Mohd Saufi bin Othman, a pilot for a foreign airline,” Brigadier General Eko Hadi stated in his briefing on Thursday (30/7).
Upon inspecting the suitcase and the owner in the Customs office examination room, it was discovered that the luggage contained methamphetamine. “During the inspection, the team found 14 large packets of ecstasy and one packet of methamphetamine,” he added.
Customs subsequently informed the Narcotics Crime Unit of Bareskrim Polri. During interrogation, the suspect, Saufi, admitted he was instructed by an individual to bring the drugs to Jakarta. “The suspect, Saufi, was instructed by someone to bring the ecstasy to Jakarta for a fee of RM 50,000,” he added.
Response from Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines has responded to the incident involving its pilot attempting to smuggle dozens of kilograms of ecstasy. The airline stated it would cooperate with Indonesian authorities in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
As reported by the official Malaysian news agency, Bernama, Malaysia Airlines stated it is refraining from further comment but is taking the allegations seriously. In a statement to Bernama, the Malaysian national carrier noted it could not comment further as the matter is still under investigation by Indonesian authorities.
“Malaysia Airlines wishes to reaffirm that it does not tolerate any form of misconduct and is currently conducting an internal review regarding this matter,” the airline stated, as reported by Free Malaysia Today on Friday (31/7). The airline added that safety, security, and operational integrity remain its top priorities.