Kuala Lumpur, 24th November 2025 - Attractive job offers promising “lucrative” paydays are emerging as new tactics employed by drug syndicates on social media platforms to recruit drug mules, particularly from the younger generation.

They are targeting mainly teenagers and those under 40 with the promise of “easy money” and luxurious perks.

It is learnt that the syndicates often select individuals who appear unlikely to arouse suspicion, are easily influenced or are in desperate financial situations.

Both men and women have fallen prey, but recent trends show that syndicates have adopted more creative and deceptive tactics,” Director of Narcotics Investigation Department, CP Dato' Hussein Omar Khan told The Star recently.

“Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook are being used to entice victims with offers of quick cash, free holidays and high-paying delivery jobs," said Dato' Hussein.

The most vulnerable groups include university students, gig workers, such as e-hailing drivers, the unemployed, tourism sector workers and individuals facing severe financial problems, he said.

Education level has not proven to be a determining factor, as most victims share similar socioeconomic pressures,” he said.

Between January and September this year, more than 50 Malaysians were nabbed overseas for allegedly acting as drug mules, Dato' Hussein said.

Read further on The Star's article attached.