An international syndicate recruits Malaysians as drug donkeys

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 Nov: Police managed to cripple an international drug distribution syndicate that recruited Malaysians as drug donkeys to smuggle supplies abroad via Op Eristalinus.

Bukit Aman's JSJN Director of Drug Crime Investigation, Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the syndicate used commercial flights to carry illegal substances hidden in shoes to avoid detection by authorities.

According to him, the activity was disrupted following the detention of 10 Malaysians aged between 19 and 26 in two separate cases in Indonesia and Japan last September and October.

"JSJN successfully dismantled the same syndicate that recruited Malaysians from Sarawak and Pahang as drug couriers to smuggle supplies abroad using shoes to avoid being tracked by authorities.

"The investigation was conducted in conjunction with the Police of the Republic of Indonesia (POLRI) by interrogating five individuals in Jakarta before identifying five suspects, consisting of four recruits and a foreign drug dealer", he said.

He said so at a press conference at the Police Training Center (PULAPOL), here, today.

Hussein Omar said the findings led to the arrest of three local suspects who were recruiting, with action taken under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Prevention Measures) Act 1985 (LLPK).

In related developments, he said another suspect believed to have acted as a recruiter and drug donkey was also detained by Hong Kong authorities while trying to smuggle illegal substances into the province.

According to him, the main supplier who is a foreign national was also arrested on November 5, with police seizing 450 grams of cocaine and two pairs of shoes believed to have been provided for two couriers.

In addition, the robbery also saved two individuals from being recruited as drug donkeys, thus thwarting the union's plans to carry out smuggling activities abroad. - TVS