Drug syndicates use public as mules to smuggle cannabis to Europe, says Bukit Aman

BACHOK, September 10 — Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have uncovered that drug trafficking syndicates utilizing air transport to Europe frequently employ ordinary citizens as drug mules, especially for transporting cannabis flowers, a highly sought-after commodity on the continent. Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, Director of Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department, disclosed during a press conference that only one or two pilots were involved in smuggling operations.

One such co-pilot was arrested in Jakarta, Indonesia, and had traveled to Australia and Indonesia. Majority of air-based drug trafficking cases related to European demand focused on cannabis flowers. Hussein urged public vigilance against offers of substantial payments, such as free flight tickets or holiday packages, from drug syndicates.

He cautioned citizens against falling prey to these syndicates. He added that PDRM had also recorded arrests at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh, related to drug smuggling activities. Bernama reported that a Malaysian co-pilot was detained for assisting in investigations into the arrest of a counterpart in Jakarta, Indonesia, last July, on suspicion of attempting to smuggle 25 kilograms of drugs, including 70,114 ecstasy pills and methamphetamine, valued at around RM45 million.