International drug syndicates are recruiting foreign nationals, including Portuguese passport holders, to act as drug mules transporting cannabis from Malaysia to Europe, according to the Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID). NCID Director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan stated that five men believed to be Portuguese passport holders were among nine suspects arrested during a coordinated regional police operation named Op Lejogaster, which targeted transit networks operating out of Malaysia.
How Op Lejogaster Uncovered the International Transit Network
Op Lejogaster was conducted between July 12 and August 3 across three separate states: Penang, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan. According to Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, the multi-state operation resulted in the arrest of nine suspects aged between 22 and 51, while also rescuing four foreign nationals from further exploitation by the trafficking network. The syndicate utilized Malaysia as a strategic transit point for moving large quantities of cannabis destined for the international market, specifically targeting London before distribution to other European countries.
The first raid took place on July 12 outside a hotel lobby in Bayan Lepas, Penang, where police arrested two suspects and searched a Mazda CX-5. Officers uncovered two luggage bags containing 60 packets of suspected cannabis weighing 31.72kg. A subsequent search of a residential property in Bayan Lepas yielded another 60 packets weighing 31.14kg. On August 3, a second raid at a house in Taman Bukit Citra, Mantin, Negeri Sembilan, led to the arrest of one suspect and the seizure of 10 luggage bags containing 170 packets of cannabis weighing 175.76kg. A third raid conducted the same day at Penang International Airport resulted in the arrest of another foreign national carrying two luggage bags with 60 packets of cannabis weighing 31.65kg. Finally, police arrested five more foreign nationals in the Sepang area of Selangor.
Modus Operandi of Transnational Drug Mules
Investigations revealed that the targeted drug mules operated in strict isolation from one another. According to Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, the suspects did not know each other and were housed in separate hotels during their stay in Malaysia. They remained sequestered until receiving instructions from the syndicate indicating that their luggage was prepared for travel. A Portuguese national allegedly coordinated the operation from Europe, directing individuals brought into Malaysia to serve as couriers. Alongside the five Portuguese passport holders, police arrested a Myanmar national, two Singaporeans, and one Malaysian suspect. Authorities confirmed they will verify the suspects’ citizenship through respective embassies based on the passports recovered.
Did you know?
Police seized a total of 270.27kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of RM21.62 million during Op Lejogaster, alongside 0.5 gramme of methamphetamine and assorted assets worth RM117,172, including jewelry, mobile phones, laptops, and a Honda CR-V. The case is currently investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Targeting Vulnerable Foreign Nationals for Exploitation
Transnational drug trafficking networks are expanding their recruitment strategies beyond local populations to target individuals from diverse economic backgrounds across multiple countries. Datuk Hussein Omar Khan warned the public against falling for syndicate offers promising lucrative payments and free holidays. These enticing proposals frequently serve as traps that exploit vulnerable individuals, ultimately coercing them into acting as international drug couriers under threat or false pretenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What substances were seized during Op Lejogaster?
Police seized 270.27kg of cannabis valued at approximately RM21.62 million, along with 0.5 gramme of methamphetamine and personal assets worth RM117,172.
Which nationalities were arrested in the raids?
According to Bukit Aman NCID, the suspects included five individuals believed to be Portuguese passport holders, two Singaporeans, one Myanmar national, and one Malaysian.
Where were the drugs destined for delivery?
Investigations indicated the syndicate used Malaysia as a transit hub, with couriers moving the illicit substances primarily to London before distribution across other European countries.
What legal statute applies to this case?
The detained suspects are being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
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