DRUG syndicates are increasingly targeting Malaysians with offers of free holidays, high-paying jobs and attractive positions overseas as a front to recruit them as drug mules, according to federal narcotics investigators.
Revealing the tactic, Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department Director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said syndicates are exploiting social media and communication platforms to identify and lure victims with seemingly legitimate opportunities.
He said those targeted are enticed with promises of fully sponsored travel, including flights and accommodation, as well as job offers such as hotel managers or marketing agents with quick and lucrative returns.
“Victims are promised payments ranging from RM1,000 to RM10,000, including offers of flight tickets and accommodation, to carry out simple tasks that require no prior experience.
“There are also those who are used as couriers under the pretext of delivering documents or personal items, where the manipulation begins once the victim agrees to carry certain packages that in fact contain drugs,” he said.
Hussein said syndicates employ a range of methods to smuggle drugs, including concealing them on the body, ingesting drug pellets, hiding them in luggage or secret compartments, and routing couriers through third countries before delivery to final destinations.
“Syndicates will always look for new victims and are willing to exploit anyone regardless of age, occupation or background.
“The number of Malaysian nationals detained abroad from 2023 until March this year for suspected involvement as drug mules stands at 191,” he said.
He added that 17 countries have been identified as destinations used by syndicates over the past two years, involving at least 77 arrests linked to drug mule activities.
“Countries with the highest number of arrests from 2025 until March this year are Singapore with 13, followed by Indonesia (12), Taiwan (10), Thailand (8), Cambodia (6), the Philippines (5), Macau (5), South Korea (3) and Laos (3). Other countries include Belgium (3), Hong Kong (2), the Maldives (2), Norway (1), Myanmar (1), Japan (1), Jordan (1) and Morocco (1),” he said.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and to verify overseas job offers, warning that seemingly attractive opportunities may conceal serious criminal risks with severe legal consequences abroad. - April 27, 2026
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