New Delhi: In an unacceptable incident for the country’s image, an Air India co-pilot had to be deported from the United States after being caught carrying marijuana before he was scheduled to operate a flight, officials said on Friday.
The pilot, part of the crew which flew from Delhi to San Francisco on April 14, was scheduled to operate a subsequent flight out of the US. During routine checks, authorities found marijuana in his bag and detained him.
He was decla
red inadmissible by local authorities, and sent back to India on Friday.
Air India confirmed the incident through a statement.
“One of our crew members travelling from Delhi to San Francisco on 14 April, for positioning to operate a subsequent flight, was found to be inadmissible as per local laws and has been sent back to India.”
An airline spokesperson said strict disciplinary action will be taken against the pilot.
“Air India maintains zero-tolerance towards any violation of the law and upholds the highest standards of safety, compliance and professional conduct. Appropriate strict disciplinary action will be taken as per laid down company policies. Ensuring safety, as always, remains Air India’s number one priority,” the spokesperson said.
According to reports, the pilot had not consumed marijuana, but was found to be in possession of the drug.