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 suspects – 50 men and five women – were arrested in various countries between January and September.
“They were detained for being drug mules in various countries including Belgium (three people), Cambodia (six), Indonesia (10), Singapore (nine) and Thailand (five),” he said in a statement.
Comm Hussein said drug syndicates are always on the hunt for new victims, regardless of occupation, age or background.
“The syndicates often use social media to offer bogus jobs or free trips in the guise of transporting luggage or bags.
“They offer payments ranging from RM1,000 to RM10,000, as well as free flight tickets and accommodation,” he added.
The syndicates also use various tactics including hiding drugs inside luggage and furniture, and even using courier services.
“The method of “body-packing” (strapping the drugs onto the drug mules) continues to be used.
“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.”
Comm Hussein advised the public to always be wary of dubious job offers, especially those advertised on social media sites.
“Report to the police if you spot such advertisements or job offers,” he said, adding that those with information on any drug related activities can contact the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222.
On Nov 3, four drug mules were nabbed with over 80kg of cannabis buds worth RM8.3mil at Penang International Airport.
The cannabis buds were intended to be smuggled into Britain.
The suspects – two couples in their 20s – were detained by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), with the drugs found inside four luggage bags at about 8.15pm.
AKPS director-general Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the attempt to smuggle the drugs was detected when one of the couples was not allowed to board a flight, which led to their luggage being rescanned.
