SEVENTY-two Malaysians have been arrested overseas in drug-related cases this year, prompting police to warn the public against becoming drug mules through seemingly attractive job offers and requests to transport goods for others.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said 48 cases were recorded between January and Oct 15, involving seizures of about 1,704kg of drugs worth RM81.76 million.
The arrests involved 57 men and 15 women, with Thailand recording the highest number at 19, followed by Indonesia with 16, Taiwan and Singapore with eight each, Japan with five and the Philippines with four.
India and Hong Kong recorded three arrests each, Macau two, while South Korea, Nigeria, the Maldives and Sri Lanka recorded one each.
Hussein said international drug syndicates were exploiting Malaysians through job offers, lucrative payments, sponsored travel and requests to deliver goods on behalf of third parties.
“Such tactics can deceive individuals who are unaware of the risks and legal implications, exposing them to severe legal consequences in the countries concerned,” he said in a recent statement.
In one case, five Malaysians were arrested at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport in October over the suspected attempted smuggling of about 5kg of cocaine worth RM3.1 million. Malaysians have also been detained in drug-related cases in Macau and Singapore.
Hussein warned that drug offences carry severe penalties in many countries, including the death penalty for certain offences in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand, depending on the applicable laws and circumstances.
“Members of the public must not carry, keep or hand over items belonging to others without knowing their contents and actual purpose. Do not be easily deceived; syndicates can exploit anyone as a drug mule,” he said.
He urged the public, particularly young people, students and those preparing to travel overseas, to be wary of suspicious employment offers, free trips and promises of easy money.
Hussein stressed that there would be no compromise on drug trafficking and smuggling, warning that involvement for temporary financial gain could have devastating consequences for individuals and their families, as well as tarnish Malaysia’s reputation. - October 22, 2026
