A representative of Vietnam Airlines confirmed on July 12 that the carrier has reported the case to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, and would discipline the pilot under the current regulations. Accordingly, the pilot will face the maximum fine of being sacked.

The pilot, P.H.D., was required to undergo a medical check-up ahead of the flight VN578 departure on April 25. However, he refused to cooperate with medical workers.

He was then transferred to Medlatec Hospital where he tested positive for ketamine.

The pilot admitted that he was taking in two pain relievers Ultracet and Efferalgan Codeine without a doctor’s prescription.

However, doctors confirmed that the active ingredients in these two drugs do not have the same ingredients as ketamine, and the metabolism in the body does not form ketamine.

After the test, the pilot has been suspended from work, awaiting final conclusions.

Ketamine a dissociative anesthetic used medically for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. It is also used as a treatment for depression, a pain management tool, and as a recreational drug. It is a controlled drug in Vietnam.