KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 72 Malaysians were detained overseas on suspicion of drug-related offences from January to Oct 15, with 1,704kg of drugs worth RM81.76 million seized.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said 48 cases were recorded, involving 57 men and 15 women.
Thailand recorded the highest number of arrests at 19, followed by Indonesia (16), Taiwan and Singapore (eight each), Japan (five), the Philippines (four), India and Hong Kong (three each), Macau (two), and South Korea, Nigeria, the Maldives and Sri Lanka (one each).
Hussein said international drug syndicates could be exploiting Malaysians as drug couriers through job offers, lucrative rewards, sponsored travel and requests to deliver goods for third parties.
"Such tactics could deceive individuals who are unaware of the risks and legal implications, exposing them to severe legal action in the countries concerned," he said in a statement.
Among the cases was the detention of five Malaysians at Haneda Airport in Tokyo on Oct 10 for allegedly attempting to smuggle about 5kg of cocaine worth RM3.1 million. Malaysians had also been detained in drug-related cases in Macau and Singapore.
Hussein said drug trafficking and smuggling could carry severe penalties, including the death penalty in some countries, depending on the offence, the quantity of drugs and the applicable laws.
He urged the public, particularly youths, students and those planning to travel overseas, to be wary of suspicious job offers, free travel and promises of lucrative rewards.
He also warned against carrying or handing over items for others without knowing their contents and purpose, as syndicates could exploit unsuspecting individuals as drug couriers. -- BERNAMA
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