{
  "id": 17015304,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T05:13:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/29/human-traffickers-using-drones-social-media-to-avoid-detection-says-gof"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The GOF Southeast Brigade commander, Ahmad Radzi Hussain, has revealed that human trafficking syndicates are employing innovative methods to evade detection. These groups are utilizing drones to monitor the movements of security forces and leveraging social media platforms to avoid detection. They also frequently alter their routes, timings, and techniques, forcing the GOF to adapt its strategies accordingly. According to Radzi, the syndicates have shifted from using the Sungai Golok river to alternative waterways such as sea routes, small rivers, and Sungai Kelantan to avoid detection. The commander also highlighted that undocumented migrants are initially taken to transit points within Malaysia before being transported to their final destinations using private vehicles, e-hailing services, or public transportation. The GOF faces significant challenges due to the extensive border along Sungai Golok and the intricate terrain consisting of forests and plantations, making it difficult to detect smugglers and illegal immigrants. Additionally, the safety of GOF personnel is a concern, particularly when dealing with armed traffickers.",
  "summary": "GOF Southeast Brigade commander Ahmad Radzi Hussain says syndicates also use social media for this purpose and regularly change their routes.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-10-29T03:23:07.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}