KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 55 Malaysians have been detained abroad for being drug mules this year.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the 50 men and five women were nabbed in various countries between January and September.
"They were detained for being drug mules in various countries, including Belgium (three), Cambodia (six), Indonesia (10), Singapore (nine) and Thailand (five)," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Nov 12).
Comm Hussein said drug syndicates were always on the hunt for new victims, regardless of occupation, age or background.
"The syndicates would use social media to offer bogus jobs or free trips on the guise of transporting luggage or bags.
"They would offer payments of between RM1,000 and RM10,000 as well as free flight tickets and accommodation," he added.
The syndicates also used various tactics, including hiding drugs inside luggage and furniture as well as using courier companies, he said.
"The method of 'body-packing' (strapping the drugs onto the drug mules) is still being used for certain destinations.
"Among the popular destinations for drug syndicates are Britain, as well as certain European and East Asian countries. The most popular drugs being trafficked are syabu, ganja, ecstasy and cocaine.
"The drugs differ depending on the destinations as well as demand," he said.
Comm Hussein advised the public to always be wary of dubious job offers, especially those advertised on social media sites.
"We urge those with information on any drug-related activities to contact the NCID hotline at 012-2087222," he said.
