Who is Drug Mule?
Drug mules are individuals who transport illegal drugs or contraband across international borders on behalf of criminal organizations or drug traffickers. They act as couriers, carrying drugs in various forms, such as hidden in luggage, clothing, or their bodies. The term “mule” is derived from the work animal that carries heavy loads, and in this context, it refers to the role these individuals play in transporting illicit substances.
Drug mules can be willing participants who knowingly engage in the illegal activity for financial gain, or they may be unwitting victims who are tricked, coerced, or deceived into carrying drugs without being fully aware of the contents they are transporting. Criminal organizations often target vulnerable individuals, including those facing economic hardships or who may be easily manipulated.
Smuggling Techniques
Drug mules use various smuggling methods to transport illegal drugs across international borders. These methods are often employed to evade detection by law enforcement authorities and customs officials. Some common smuggling methods used by drug mules include:
|
Smuggling Method |
Description |
|
Concealment in Luggage |
Drugs hidden in luggage, mixed among legitimate items, to avoid suspicion during baggage checks. |
|
Body Cavity Insertion |
Drug-filled packages inserted into body cavities (stomach, rectum, vagina) using condoms or balloons. |
|
Swallowing |
Drug mules swallow latex balloons or packets filled with drugs, which are later excreted. |
|
Concealment in Clothing |
Drugs hidden within clothing seams or linings, shoes, or accessories to evade airport security checks. |
|
Body Packing |
Drugs attached to the outside of the body with tape or adhesive, covered with clothing for secrecy. |
|
False Bottoms and Hidden Compartments |
Suitcases or containers with hidden compartments used to conceal drugs. |
|
Ingestion of Liquid-Filled Balloons |
Liquid drugs concealed in small balloons swallowed by drug mules. |
|
Use of Children or Animals |
Drug traffickers may involve children or animals to carry small drug quantities with less suspicion. |
|
Exploiting Legal Goods |
Drugs concealed within legitimate shipments of goods to exploit the cover of legal products. |
|
Use of Innocent-Looking Items |
Drugs hidden within innocent-looking items like food products, toys, or household items. |
Penalty for drug mules
Under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (Akta Dadah Berbahaya 1952) in Malaysia, drug mules caught trafficking significant quantities of drugs face severe penalties, including the mandatory death penalty. The act categorizes different types of drugs and sets specific thresholds for the amount of each drug that would result in the imposition of the death penalty upon conviction.
For instance, the following drug quantities may lead to the mandatory death penalty:
|
Type of Drug |
Quantity Threshold |
|
Opiates (e.g., heroin, morphine) |
15 grams or more |
|
Cocaine |
40 grams or more |
|
Methamphetamine (e.g., syabu) |
50 grams or more |
|
Cannabis (marijuana) |
200 grams or more |
|
Coca leaves |
2 kilograms or more |
Possession of the specified quantities of these drugs will result in an automatic presumption of trafficking, and if found guilty, the person will be sentenced to death. The law also provides for preventive detention measures to combat drug trafficking.
References
- Attila, N. 2013. GIZMODO: Thirteen Shockingly Creative Ways Drugs Have Crossed the Border. http://gizmodo.com/5988877/13-shockingly-creative-ways-drugs-have-crossed-the-border [19 Mac 2013].
- Bovard, J. 1995. Lost Rights: The Destruction of American Liberty. pg. 408. US: St. Martin’s Press.
- Dueñas-Laita, A., Nogué, S., Burillo-Putze, G. (2004). Body Packing. N Engl J Med 350 (12): 1260–1.
- Hergan, K., Kofler, K. and Oser, W. (2004). Drug Smuggling by Body Packing: What Radiologists Should Know About It. Eur Radiol 14 (4): 736–42.
- Jabatan Kimia Malaysia (JKM). 2009. Laporan Dadah Januari 2009: Ringkasan Undang-undang Dadah di Malaysia.
- Jabatan Kimia Malaysia (JKM). 2006. Laporan Tahunan 2006: Bahagian Forensik – Keadilan Berasaskan Sains.
- Lyle, D. P. 2004. Finding Drugs and Poisons: The Toxicology Lab. 1st Ed. Forensic for Dummies pg. 243–264. Indiana: Wiley Publishing Inc.
- Olson, K. R. 2004. Specific Poisons and Drugs: Diagnosis and Treatment. 4th Ed. Poisoning & Drug Overdose pg. 72–302. US: Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill, Inc.
- Pidoto, R.R., Agliata, A.M., Bertoline, R., Mainini, A., Rossi, G., Giani, G. 2002. A New Method of Packaging Cocaine For International Traffic and Implications For The Management of Cocaine Body-packers”. J Emerg Med 23 (2): 149–53.
- Traub, S. J., Hoffman, R. S., Nelson, L. S. 2003. Body Packing: The Internal Concealment of Illicit Drugs. N Engl J Med 349 (26): 2519–26.
| Last Reviewed | : | February 2024 |
| Writer | : | Lai Poh Soon |
| Reviewer | : | Nurhusni binti Mohammad Room |
