Cambodian authorities arrest six Malaysians with 62kg of cannabis en route to the UK via Hong Kong
Six Malaysians were arrested at Phnom Penh International Airport while attempting to smuggle 62kg of cannabis to the United Kingdom. The case highlights the rising exploitation of Southeast Asians in transnational drug trafficking.
Arrest At Phnom Penh Airport
On July 16, Cambodian authorities arrested six Malaysian men aged between 27 and 70 at Phnom Penh International Airport for attempting to smuggle nearly 62kg of dried cannabis. The suspects were intercepted by the country’s Anti-Drug Department in coordination with customs and airport officials just before boarding a flight to London via Hong Kong.
The cannabis was concealed in four suitcases, all linked to the suspects. Following the discovery, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court’s Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the group would be charged under Article 40 of Cambodia’s Law on Drug Control, which carries a sentence of 2 to 20 years in prison.
Charges Under Cambodian Drug Law
A spokesperson from the prosecutor’s office confirmed the charge of “illegal transportation of drugs,” committed at the departure terminal. According to Cambodia’s Law on Drug Control, Article 40 outlines harsh penalties for trafficking, especially in cases involving large quantities and international routes.
The Phnom Penh Post first reported the arrests, with further verification provided by Malaysian authorities. The operation reflects a growing pattern of drug syndicates using regional airports as drug transit points.
Malaysian Police Respond
Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan stated that Malaysian police had received preliminary details via the Foreign Ministry. However, as of July 23, no official communication from Cambodian authorities had been received.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is working closely with the Foreign Ministry and the Malaysian Embassy in Phnom Penh to acquire additional information. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the suspects were part of a larger international drug trafficking syndicate.
Drug Syndicates Targeting Malaysians
Datuk Hussein warned the public to stay alert to online job scams offering high salaries for simple delivery tasks. Many Malaysians have unknowingly become drug mules for international cartels operating under such deceptive schemes.
“The public must not fall easily for job offers that involve delivering packages overseas without knowing the contents,” he stressed, adding that further investigations will aim to identify any syndicate connections.
Potential Syndicate Involvement
Although initial investigations have not linked the case to any known international network, authorities suspect a broader operation may be involved. Given the sophisticated concealment methods and international travel plans, it is likely that the six Malaysians were recruited by experienced traffickers.
The cannabis seizure adds to a growing list of Southeast Asian drug smuggling incidents involving foreign destinations, particularly the UK and Australia.
This case sheds light on how international drug syndicates increasingly exploit Southeast Asian nationals, especially Malaysians, to smuggle narcotics abroad. It underscores the urgent need for regional cooperation in combating trafficking networks that prey on the vulnerable through false job promises. For Indonesia and Singapore, which share regional vulnerabilities, it’s a reminder of the importance of cross-border vigilance and public awareness.
Sources: Malay Mail (2025) , The Star (2025)
Keywords: Malaysians Arrested, Cannabis Smuggling, Cambodia Airport, Drug Trafficking Syndicate, Phnom Penh, UK Drug Route
