213 Malaysians Arrested Overseas As Drug Mules Since 2024, Dewan Rakyat Told

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5  – A total of 213 Malaysians have been arrested abroad on suspicion of serving as drug mules between 2024 and September 2026, as drug syndicates increasingly target youth, students, and higher education institution (IPT) graduates.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah revealed the statistics during the oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday, November 5, 2026. He explained that transnational syndicates entice targets using promises of lucrative overseas employment, free holiday packages, flight tickets, accommodation, and financial cash incentives.

“At the same time, the syndicates also exploit social media, e-commerce platforms and communication applications to promote, secure customers and conduct drug transactions,” Shamsul Anuar stated in response to an interpellation from Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) regarding integrated measures against syndicate recruitment tactics and online marketplace exploitation.

Shamsul Anuar outlined the evolving modus operandi used by syndicates, which includes creating fake online accounts, establishing temporary or encrypted messaging groups, utilizing e-wallets and digital payments, and deploying courier services with cash-on-delivery (COD) arrangements at pre-designated drop-off points.

To combat these online networks, the Home Ministry—via the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID)—maintains 24-hour cyber intelligence monitoring in coordination with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), e-commerce platform providers, and courier delivery firms.

Official records show that joint enforcement operations resulted in 47 suspicious digital accounts being blocked in 2025, with an additional 49 accounts blocked as of 2026.

Furthermore, the government is evaluating proposed amendments to the First Schedule of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 to list newly identified New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), providing law enforcement with stronger statutory powers against emerging synthetic narcotics. PDRM is also enhancing cross-border data sharing, international intelligence collaboration, and border checkpoint inspections.

Arrest Statistics, Digital Modus Operandi, and Law Enforcement Strategy

Key statistics, syndicate tactics, and regulatory enforcement measures include:

• Overseas Drug Mule Arrests: 213 Malaysian citizens (targeting students and IPT graduates) detained overseas from 2024 to September 2026.
• Syndicate Lures: Offers of high-paying jobs abroad, complimentary travel/all-expenses-paid holidays, and cash bonuses.
• Digital Transaction Tactics: Fake social media accounts, temporary group chats, e-wallet cashless payments, and COD courier drop-offs.
• Cyber Account Takedowns: 47 illicit accounts blocked in 2025; 49 accounts blocked in 2026 via NCID-MCMC joint operations.
• Legislative Reforms: Proposed amendment to the First Schedule of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 to criminalize New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).

–NMT