21-5-204 (KUALA LUMPUR) A Peruvian drug mule was apprehended shortly after landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) with more than 1.1 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside his stomach.
The 20-year-old suspect, who reportedly swallowed 95 capsules containing cocaine valued at over RM230,000, was waiting for instructions from his handlers when he was detained. Allegedly recruited by a Latin American drug cartel, he was tasked with smuggling the narcotics to a third country.
Selangor police chief, Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, disclosed that the arrest was made following a tip-off from Interpol around 8:30 am on May 17.
“The suspect was exhibiting suspicious behaviour prior to the arrest,” Comm Hussein explained. “An X-ray examination revealed foreign objects in his stomach.”
The suspect was held at Cyberjaya Hospital for three days, during which he excreted all 95 capsules. Subsequent analysis confirmed the capsules contained 1.152 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of RM230,400.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had recently entered Malaysia and was awaiting further instructions from the cartel. He was found searching for accommodation near KLIA at the time of his arrest.
“We have remanded the suspect for seven days to assist with ongoing investigations,” Comm Hussein added. “There is no significant demand for cocaine in Malaysia, which leads us to believe the drugs were intended for smuggling to another country.”
