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Five Malaysians were arrested in Jakarta, Indonesia, for allegedly smuggling 5kg of the synthetic drug etomidate concealed in their shoes
According to the New Straits Times, the five were arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport last Friday, 25 September, after being stopped by Indonesia's Customs and Excise authorities.
They had flown in from Kuala Lumpur, and officers became suspicious after noticing their movements at the airport.
A search found that each person had two packets of white powder hidden inside the insoles of their shoes, with each packet weighing 500g.
"In total, there were 10 packets weighing about 5kg," Indonesian police narcotics eradication division director general Eko Hadi Santoso was quoted as saying.
Indonesian police narcotics eradication division director general Eko Hadi Santoso.
Image via Detik NewsThe Indonesian police criminal investigation agency (Bareskrim) said investigations found the group was allegedly under the "control" of an individual known as "Madam" on Telegram
They were allegedly instructed to head to a hotel in central Jakarta and hand over their shoes in a red bag to a Chinese national.
Based on the information, Bareskrim arrested the Chinese national and found keys to an apartment at Mediterania Marina Residence in North Jakarta.
Authorities seized items including flavouring liquid, thousands of empty vape pods, and pod caps. The total value of the drugs and equipment seized was estimated at 127.5 billion rupiah (around RM33.8 million).
Eko said the Chinese national was believed to have arrived in Indonesia in September and had been staying at the apartment.
The latest arrests come after two Malaysian pilots were also arrested for smuggling drugs into Indonesia, one in July and another earlier this month.
