Jetstar pilot stood down over illegal drug find

A Jetstar pilot has been stood down after traces of an illicit drug were allegedly found on his luggage as he flew passengers home from Bali.

A Jetstar pilot has been stood down after traces of an illicit drug were allegedly found on his luggage. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

A Jetstar pilot has been stood down after traces of an illicit drug were allegedly found on his luggage as he flew passengers home on a long-haul flight from Bali.

The first officer was stood down after traces of the unnamed drug were found on his luggage at Melbourne Airport.

It is understood that “drug-related content”, including images of an illicit drug, were also found on the pilot’s phone after that initial detection.

The first officer was suspended, despite no actual drugs being found on him or his belongings, under a zero-tolerance policy enforced by the aviation industry due to the serious safety risks associated with air travel.

The drug traces were allegedly found during a routine drug screening by Australian Federal Police officers at Melbourne Airport on May 23.

The pilot was checked along with his passengers and other members of the crew after landing at the airport at about 6.30am following a long-haul flight from Bali.

A Jetstar pilot has been stood down after traces of an illicit drug were allegedly found on his luggage. Picture: Floss Adams.

It is understood the pilot was not found to be carrying any drugs. After investigating the allegations of drug possession, the AFP said it did not determine any criminal offences and considered the matter closed.

Jetstar, however, is still investigating the pilot, who has been stood down from all duties until he is cleared.

The airline released a statement relating to the incident on Monday but said it would not be commenting in detail on the pilot’s alleged conduct.

“We have zero-tolerance towards pilots operating under the influence of alcohol or other drugs and always undertake testing in accordance with aviation regulations,” Jetstar said.

The airline said it was unable to share further details about the pilot in order to maintain individual employee privacy.