On-duty pilot arrested at Sydney Airport over drugs

An on-duty Malaysian pilot has been arrested in Australia for allegedly importing heroin and methamphetamine, police said yesterday.

The 30-year-old, who reportedly works for Malaysian Airlines, was picked up on Tuesday when customs officers searched his suitcase when he arrived at Sydney airport on a flight from his homeland. During the check, they allegedly found five kilograms of methamphetamine.

Police said they had been watching the man since August last year when they said he imported 1.4 kilograms of heroin into the country and delivered it to a man at a Sydney hotel, who was later arrested.

Officials said the pilot was working when he was apprehended with Sydney’s Daily Telegraph saying he worked for Malaysian Airlines, although this could not be confirmed.