Soekarno-Hatta Customs Tightens Aircrew Inspections After Malaysian Pilot's Drug Arrest

Customs at Soekarno-Hatta Airport will tighten inspections of flight crews following the arrest of Malaysia Airlines co-pilot Mohd Saufi bin Othman, 39, who was caught smuggling 26 kilogrammes of ecstasy into Indonesia. Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang, Head of the Soekarno-Hatta Customs Office, told reporters on Tuesday that stricter checks are inevitable. He noted that while pilots previously complained about being searched, such objections are no longer tenable. However, Hengky clarified that urine testing and related matters fall under the authority of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation at the Ministry of Transportation or the respective airlines. Customs will conduct inspections before and after flights. The suspect has been handed over to the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Division for legal proceedings. Investigations revealed that Mohd Saufi tested positive for three types of drugs and is suspected of having been under the influence during the flight. Officers also discovered a small bottle containing clean urine, allegedly intended to falsify any random drug test at the airport. Malaysia Airlines has responded to the incident, stating it will cooperate fully with Indonesian authorities in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The airline added that it does not condone any form of misconduct and is currently carrying out an internal review.