By: Zaidul Khair bin Jungkim
KUALA LUMPUR: 23 OCTOBER 2026 – A total of 72 Malaysian citizens were reported to have been detained abroad for suspected involvement in drug offences between January and 15 October 2026. The cases also involved the seizure of 1,704 kilogrammes of drugs worth RM81.76 million.
According to the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Thailand recorded the highest number of arrests with 19 people, followed by Indonesia with 16.
Taiwan recorded eight arrests, as did Singapore. Japan recorded five arrests, while the Philippines recorded four. India recorded three arrests, as did Hong Kong.
Among the major cases was the detention of five Malaysians at Haneda Airport in Tokyo this October for allegedly attempting to smuggle five kilogrammes of cocaine worth RM3.1 million.
In Macau, a Malaysian man was detained in a case involving nearly three kilogrammes of heroin. Another Malaysian was detained at the Tuas Checkpoint in Singapore after an inspection found heroin and methamphetamine along with cannabis.
The NCID warned that international drug syndicates may deceive Malaysians through job offers, lucrative rewards or errand-running assignments.
PDRM reminded Malaysians to comply with the laws of the countries they visit, as drug offences can carry severe penalties, including the death penalty in some countries.
source: Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah Narkotik (JSJN) Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM)
