Malaysian Drug Mules Offered RM8,000 Each To Conceal 5kg Of Cocaine In Shoe Insoles To Japan

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 16 – Five Malaysian nationals arrested at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, Japan, after authorities seized five kilograms of cocaine hidden inside their shoe soles were paid RM8,000 each by an unidentified drug trafficking syndicate.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) Director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan disclosed the details during a press conference at the Johor Contingent Police Headquarters on Friday, October 16, 2026.

The five suspects—aged between 19 and 26—had departed from Terminal 2 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) under the guise of a group vacation.

“We believe they were aware of what they were carrying, which is an illegal substance,” Hussein stated, confirming that none of the individuals had prior criminal records.

Syndicate Modus Operandi, Tokyo Arrests, and Laotian Jet Seizure Update

Police investigations reveal a structured recruitment method behind the cross-border smuggling attempt alongside updates on connected regional drug probes:

• Vacation Strategy & Group Setup: A married couple led the travel group, with the wife inviting friends on a sponsored holiday trip to Japan. Each member was provided with pre-modified footwear stuffed with concealed cocaine packages.
• Travel Agent Cleared: Police confirmed that an accompanying travel agent who traveled with the group has been cleared of suspicion and was not arrested.
• NCID Investigative Mission to Japan: Bukit Aman NCID has dispatched a specialized investigation team to Tokyo to collaborate with Japanese customs and law enforcement to trace the international supply chain and local syndicate handlers.
• Laos Private Jet Meth Seizure Update: Addressing the October 1 seizure of 521 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine aboard a Subang-originated Learjet at Luang Prabang International Airport in Laos, Hussein confirmed the cargo was ordered by two Filipino nationals.
• Multinational Coordination on Laos Case: Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) are working closely with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to locate the mastermind syndicate and verify media reports regarding potential political involvement in the Philippines. A local private jet owner was previously arrested at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang on October 7 as part of the ongoing probe.

Police advised the public to remain vigilant against paid holiday invitations or requests to transport footwear, baggage, or personal items abroad on behalf of third parties.

–NMT