Malaysians urged to reject offers that could lead to drug trafficking arrests
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians detained in Hong Kong for transnational drug trafficking are often financially vulnerable people who fell for promises of quick money and paid holidays, says the Consulate General of Malaysia in Hong Kong.
Consul General of Malaysia to Hong Kong and Macau Muzambli Markam said some were duped by criminal syndicates to take on seemingly straightforward delivery jobs.
“These cases demonstrate how criminal syndicates disguise criminal activities as legitimate opportunities, exploiting financial hardship and poor judgment, particularly among younger people,” he told The Star.
There has been a wave of reports of Malaysians caught with drug trafficking in Hong Kong and Macau.
On June 21, Hong Kong Customs arrested a 23-year-old Malaysian man arriving from Rome with about 25kg of suspected ketamine in his suitcase, The Standard reported.
TDM, a public service broadcaster in Macau, reported on June 25 that a Malaysian was arrested with heroin concealed inside tuna cans.
The drugs seized were valued at 4.18 million patacas (RM2.1mil).
And most recently on July 9, a 19-year-old Sarawakian was caught upon arrival at the Hong Kong airport with about 3kg of cannabis buds valued at HK$500,000 (RM260,300).
He flew from Kuala Lumpur via Singapore.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said on July 16 Hong Kong authorities notified Malaysia’s narcotics police, and that the youth was likely recruited by a syndicate as a drug mule.
Elaborating on the trends that have emerged from the consulate general’s experience in handling such cases, Muzambli said a significant number of cases of Malaysians detained in Hong Kong for such offences involved young people in their early 20s or late teens.
“However, there was also a case involving a senior citizen in his 70s who is currently undergoing court proceedings on drug smuggling charges,” he said, adding that involvement in these offences is not confined to any particular age group or background.
Muzambli said that the impact of such activities extends well beyond those arrested.
Their family members often have to travel to Hong Kong for prison visitation, court proceedings and to seek consular guidance, resulting in financial and emotional strain.
“These cases highlight the lasting consequences that drug trafficking offences can have on both individuals and those closest to them,” he said.
The Consulate General of Malaysia in Hong Kong, he added, provides consular assistance to Malaysian nationals arrested or detained in Hong Kong and Macau, in strict accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963.
This includes liaising with the local authorities, conducting prison visits to monitor welfare, observing court proceedings where appropriate and notifying the detainee’s next of kin, subject to the individual’s consent.
For family members planning to travel to Hong Kong to visit detained Malaysians, the consulate general provides guidance on local visitation procedures, among others.
“It is important to note that the consulate general does not provide financial assistance for legal fees, bail or court fines as well as financial assistance to the family members,” he said.
Muzambli urged Malaysians to remain vigilant against seemingly legitimate offers of free travel or easy financial gain.
“The consequences of becoming involved can be severe, including lengthy prison sentences, substantial financial penalties and lasting hardship for both the individuals concerned and their families.
“There are no minor roles in drug trafficking operations. Even limited involvement can result in serious legal consequences,” he said.
