October 14, 2026

New Malaysia Times

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Bukit Aman Sends Investigative Unit To Tokyo Following Arrest Of Five Malaysians With 5kg Cocaine

Five Malaysians arrested Tokyo cocaine shoe insoles

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 – Bukit Aman will dispatch an investigative team to Japan after five Malaysians were arrested at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo for attempting to smuggle 5 kilogrammes of cocaine hidden inside their footwear.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) Director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan issued a statement on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, confirming that Japanese authorities notified Malaysian police of the detentions.

A group of six Malaysians aged between 19 and 26 departed from Terminal 2 of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA2) on Friday, October 9.

Upon arrival at Haneda International Airport on Saturday, October 10, 2026, Japanese Customs officers intercepted and arrested two men and three women, while a sixth member returned to Malaysia.

Shoe Insole Concealment, Syndicate Investigation, and Public Caution

Bukit Aman revealed background details, investigative steps, and warnings regarding international drug recruitment:

  • Concealment Method & Seizure: Japanese Customs discovered 5 kg of cocaine stashed inside the shoe insoles worn by the five suspects, with each individual carrying approximately 1 kg (500 grams per shoe).
  • Suspect Profiles: NCID confirmed the identity of all six individuals, noting that five are Sarawakians and none possessed prior criminal records.
  • Bukit Aman Investigation Team: NCID is deploying a specialized team to Tokyo to gather intelligence, examine the detentions, and map out the local and international drug syndicate networks behind the smuggling operation.
  • International Coordination: Japanese law enforcement authorities are currently investigating the origin of the supply, syndicate handlers, and transnational distribution networks.
  • Public Advisory On Drug Mules: Datuk Hussein warned the public to remain vigilant against dubious free holiday offers, overseas job opportunities, or requests to transport bags, footwear, or personal items for strangers or acquaintances abroad.

Bukit Aman continues to coordinate with Japanese counterparts and Interpol to dismantle the supply chains behind the operation.

–NMT