PETALING JAYA: Authorities have been urged to review security procedures at the country’s air entry points to close loopholes that criminal syndicates could exploit, following the arrest of a Malaysian pilot in Indonesia for allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs.
Criminologist Shahul Hamid Abdul Rahim called for an investigation into whether syndicates were taking advantage of differing screening procedures for flight crew, who have access to dedicated lanes, and ordinary passengers.
“This is deeply concerning because there is a strong possibility that syndicates are deliberately targeting professionals, particularly flight crew, as part of their drug smuggling strategy,” he told FMT.
“These individuals generally attract less suspicion because they enjoy a high level of credibility and have legitimate access within airports.”
Shahul said the arrest should not be viewed solely as an individual’s failing, but should instead prompt a review of airport security standard operating procedures, airline staff monitoring, and intelligence-sharing among enforcement agencies.
Media reported the arrest of a Malaysian pilot by Indonesian authorities at Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Tuesday after allegedly being found carrying 70,114 ecstasy pills and 2.7g of methamphetamine.
Indonesian authorities believe the suspect is part of an international drug trafficking network.
Crime analyst Kamal Affendi Hashim said the two stripes on the epaulettes worn by the arrested flight crew member, as seen in a photo released by Indonesian authorities, indicated that the suspect was not a pilot.
Nevertheless, he said, smuggling syndicates are constantly seeking individuals who can cross borders with ease.
“In India, for example, there have been reports of flight crew being involved in attempts to smuggle gold, while in Singapore, a lorry driver was arrested for trying to bring in vapes.
“Even where security mechanisms or systems are in place, because they are routine and predictable, syndicates will inevitably look for opportunities to exploit them,” he said.
Alif Jasni, a senior lecturer at Universiti Utara Malaysia, said drug syndicates continually adapt their tactics by targeting individuals with high mobility and cross-border access.
“However, it must be stressed that this is not a widespread phenomenon, but an isolated case that reflects how syndicates are adapting their tactics in response to increasingly stringent enforcement,” he said.
