British nationals top KLIA drug mule arrests, drugs worth RM202.76m seized

Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said these cases involved the seizure of 2,526.28 kilogrammes (kg) of drugs, with an estimated value of RM202.76 million. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 26 Oct 2026 6:18 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 — A total of 77 cases linked to drug mule syndicates at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) were recorded between January and Oct 15, with 93 individuals arrested.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said these cases involved the seizure of 2,526.28 kilogrammes (kg) of drugs, with an estimated value of RM202.76 million.

He said the seized substances comprised 2,407.27 kg of cannabis (64 cases), 77.837 kg of methamphetamine (four cases), 22.11 kg of ketamine (four cases), 15.585 kg of cocaine (three cases), and 3.475 kg of a mixture of ketamine and cannabis (two cases).

“Out of the total 93 arrests, nationals from the United Kingdom accounted for the highest number at 26, followed by Malaysia (23), Singapore (11), Japan (five), and France (six).

“Meanwhile, there were two individuals each from Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Ireland, Portugal, and Germany and one individual each from the Netherlands, Greece, Sweden, Slovakia, the United States, Brazil, Uganda, Zambia, Thailand, and China,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Regarding the breakdown of the 77 cases, he said 45 cases were recorded through the cooperation of enforcement agencies comprising 41 cases handled by Aviation Security (AVSEC) Auxiliary Police of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) at KLIA, and four cases by the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).

“Another 25 cases involved actions by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID), including the KLIA Narcotics Crime Investigation Division and the Selangor contingent police headquarters (IPK).

“Additionally, seven cases were recorded through follow-up operations, which led to the arrest of 12 individuals and the seizure of 571.59 kilogrammes of cannabis flowers,” he said.

Hussein noted that these successes reflect the ongoing commitment of the department, in collaboration with relevant enforcement agencies, to combat drug smuggling and curb syndicates that exploit individuals as drug mules.

“The public is also reminded not to be easily deceived by suspicious job offers or promises of lucrative rewards especially those involving the transport of luggage or items belonging to others to foreign countries.

“Furthermore, the public is urged to refrain from carrying items belonging to other people abroad without knowing their contents, and to report any suspicious activities to the police,” he said. — Bernama