PETALING JAYA: Police have found no evidence of KLIA personnel being involved in the smuggling of 26kg of drugs from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta involving a Malaysian co-pilot, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said investigations, conducted in cooperation with Indonesian authorities, found that the operation was orchestrated by an external drug syndicate, with no indication of collusion by airport staff.
“The findings of the investigation so far show no indications of involvement by any KLIA staff or insiders in the drug smuggling operation,” he said in a written parliamentary reply to Lim Lip Eng (PH-Kepong).
Lim had asked about the status of investigations into the case of a Malaysian pilot who was allegedly involved in smuggling 26kg of drugs from KLIA to Jakarta on July 29, 2026, and whether there was any insider involvement at KLIA.
Saifuddin said the Malaysian co-pilot was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta on July 29 in connection with the smuggling of 70,114 MDMA ecstasy pills weighing approximately 26kg from Kuala Lumpur.
He said the individual was currently being investigated by Indonesian authorities and would face charges under Indonesian laws relating to drug smuggling and distribution.
“Following information obtained from Indonesian authorities between Aug 11 and 15, police managed to identify the syndicate’s network, including those responsible for supplying and transporting the drugs, as well as managing its financial operations,” he added.
Saifuddin said police subsequently dismantled the syndicate between Aug 20 and Sept 6, arresting seven Malaysian nationals believed to have played roles in the network.
“All seven suspects are being investigated under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985,” he said.
He added that investigations were ongoing to determine the role of each individual and identify whether other parties were involved.
On the possibility of insider involvement at KLIA, Saifuddin said police had also examined aviation security procedures, including those involving the Aviation Security (AVSEC) Division, as well as CCTV footage and baggage scanner images.
He added that checks also found that security procedures and measures at KLIA had been implemented in accordance with the prescribed standards.
However, he said police would continue monitoring the investigation should new evidence emerge indicating that any individual had conspired, assisted or participated in the smuggling operation.
