PETALING JAYA: The number of Malaysians arrested for drug trafficking in Hong Kong has surged this year, prompting authorities there to warn travellers against acting as drug mules.
According to the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, 24 Malaysians were arrested in drug trafficking cases in 2025, up sharply from six in 2024 and eight in 2023.
It added that from January to June this year, another 14 Malaysians were arrested at Hong Kong’s entry points for attempting to smuggle drugs.
“The suspects were aged between 20 and 67. Of the cases in 2026, the largest amount of drugs detected is about 25kg of ketamine, valued at HK$9.5mil (RM4.95mil),” the department said in a statement.
The figures come amid a wave of arrests involving Malaysians caught for drug trafficking in Hong Kong and Macau.
Consul General of Malaysia to Hong Kong and Macau, Muzambli Markam told The Star earlier that a significant number of these cases involved those in their early 20s or late teens.
According to press releases from the Hong Kong government, five Malaysians have been detained in July at Hong Kong International Airport for alleged drug trafficking.
The latest arrest happened this week.
A Malaysian man, who arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, was found with 10kg of cannabis buds in his checked luggage.
Last week, two Malaysian men, aged 22 and 27, were arrested for carrying 7kg of drugs believed to be methamphetamine in their checked luggage.
They also arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok.
The drugs, concealed in beverage packages, have an estimated market value of HK$7mil (RM3.6mil).
On July 16, a 19-year-old Malaysian, who arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok via Manila, was found with about 11kg of drugs suspected to be cannabis buds worth HK$2mil (RM1mil) in his suitcase.
Earlier, on July 9, a 19-year-old Malaysian arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur via Singapore with about 3kg of suspected cannabis buds in his luggage.
Malaysian police later identified the teenager as being from Sarawak and said he was believed to have been recruited by a drug syndicate to act as a courier.
Hong Kong Customs said drug trafficking is a serious offence under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, carrying a maximum penalty of a HK$5mil (RM2.6mil) fine and life imprisonment upon conviction.
The department urged travellers not to carry items on behalf of others or accept unknown packages in return for payment.
Hong Kong Customs said it continues to work closely with overseas law enforcement agencies, including Malaysian authorities, through intelligence sharing to combat cross-border drug trafficking.
