Kuala lumpur: Fifty-five Malaysians were arrested overseas in the first nine months of this year for allegedly acting as drug mules. Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director, Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, stated that the group included 50 men and five women.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the arrests were made in 16 different countries and territories. Indonesia witnessed the highest number of arrests with 10, followed by Singapore with 9, and Cambodia and Taiwan each with 6. Other arrests occurred in locations such as Thailand (5), Belgium (3), Laos (3), and Macau (3). Two suspects were apprehended in Hong Kong and South Korea, while one arrest each was made in the Philippines, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Myanmar, and Norway.
“The use of members of the public as drug mules is a deeply concerning and growing trend that the NCID is addressing with the utmost seriousness,” Hussein stated in a recent statement. He highlighted that drug syndicates are actively seeking new victims, exploiting individuals regardless of their age, occupation, or background.
Hussein explained that these syndicates recruit victims through social media and fake job advertisements. They specifically target young people, job seekers, students, and individuals with unstable incomes by luring them with promises of lucrative payments ranging from RM1,000 to RM10,000. Offers often include free flight tickets and accommodation for tasks allegedly requiring no prior experience. “All of these offers are merely bait to deceive victims into carrying luggage or packages that actually contain dangerous drugs,” he emphasized.
The syndicates employ various methods to conceal drugs, including hiding them in luggage, electronics, and food. They also use courier services and high-risk techniques like ‘body packing.’ The main smuggling destinations are the United Kingdom, several European countries, and East Asian nations. Regional airports increasingly serve as transit points for these operations.
“The types of drugs commonly smuggled include methamphetamine (syabu), MDMA (ecstasy), cannabis, and cocaine, depending on the smuggling route and market demand,” Hussein noted. He urged the public to remain vigilant and not be deceived by fake offers, advising them to report any suspicious proposals to the police immediately.
Hussein reminded the public that ignorance of the contents of luggage is not a valid excuse in countries with strict drug laws, which can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment. He added that any information on drug abuse or trafficking can be reported via the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222.