{
  "id": 17000696,
  "title": "Migrant smugglers turn to drones, social media to evade detection, says GOF",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/migrant-smugglers-turn-to-drones-social-media-to-evade-detection-says",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T03:23:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/10/1566017/migrant-smugglers-turn-drones-social-media-evade-detection-says-gof"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KOTA BARU: Migrant smuggling syndicates are adapting their tactics to evade detection, according to the General Operations Force (GOF). Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Ahmad Radzi Hussain reported that the groups are using drones to monitor security forces and social media platforms for communication. The syndicates' methods vary depending on border control levels and available routes. They have been detected shifting to sea routes, smaller rivers, and Sungai Kelantan to avoid detection. Once inside Malaysia, migrants are taken to transit points and transported using private vehicles, e-hailing services, or public transport. Local agents, boat captains, and runners are also involved in smuggling operations. The GOF must constantly adapt its enforcement strategies due to the syndicates' evolving routes, timing, and methods. Challenges faced by the GOF include the vast and complex terrain, the length of Sungai Golok, and the use of smaller rivers, jungles, plantations, rat lanes, and numerous illegal routes. The constant shifting modus operandi of the syndicates makes it difficult for authorities to track their movements. The GOF Southeast Brigade prioritizes personnel safety while adapting strategies, strengthening intelligence, and enhancing inter-agency cooperation to combat migrant smuggling.",
  "summary": "KOTA BARU: Syndicates smuggling undocumented migrants are now deploying drones to monitor security forces' movements, said the General Operations Force (GOF).",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Human traffickers using drones, social media to avoid detection, says GOF",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/human-traffickers-using-drones-social-media-to-avoid-detection-says",
        "published": "2026-10-29T05:13:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}