Jakarta:A Malaysian pilot detained in Jakarta on suspicion of drug smuggling will remain in custody for an additional 30 days, following a court order. This extension comes after the initial 60-day detention period expired.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director, Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, stated that the latest update was received from the Indonesian National Police's Narcotics Crime Directorate, known as Narkoba Polri. The Indonesian authorities are still investigating the case and have the authority to detain a suspect for up to 120 days before filing charges.

In Malaysia, related investigations have led to another pilot and six other individuals being placed under a 60-day detention order under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985, due to suspected links to the same drug syndicate.

The case is part of a joint investigation by Indonesian and Malaysian authorities into allegations that Malaysian aviation personnel are involved in drug-smuggling activities. The Malaysian pilot, aged 39, was reportedly detained on July 29 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport while allegedly carrying 15 packages containing approximately 70,000 ecstasy and methamphetamine pills, with a total weight of about 25 kilogrammes and an estimated value of RM45 million.

A team from the NCID visited Jakarta from August 11 to 15 last year to interview the suspect and share information with their Indonesian counterparts.