3 Malaysians Arrested On Train In Thailand With 87kg Of Crystal Meth

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Three Malaysian men were arrested after authorities found 87kg of crystal methamphetamine, also known as syabu, worth an estimated RM4.3 million hidden in their luggage aboard a train in Hat Yai, Thailand

According to the New Straits Times, Federal Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the trio were detained on 31 July during security checks on passengers and their belongings aboard the Bangkok-Narathiwat Express train.

The arrests were carried out in a joint operation involving Hat Yai police, railway police, tourist police, and Thailand's Office of the Narcotics Control Board.

Hussein said Malaysian police were informed by their Thai counterparts after the drugs were discovered concealed in the suspects' luggage and backpacks.

"The syabu is believed to have been intended for smuggling into Malaysia," he said.

All three suspects are from Sarawak

The first suspect, aged 35, has nine previous records involving drug-related and other criminal offences.

The second suspect, 36, has one previous drug-related record, while the third suspect, 32, has two.

"We believe the three suspects acted as drug mules and that a larger syndicate was behind the operation," Hussein said.

He added that Malaysian police would continue working closely with Thai authorities to uncover the full extent of the syndicate and identify others involved.

Speaking to Bernama Radio yesterday, 5 August, Hussein added that the three suspects were allegedly promised RM8,000 each to transport the drugs to their intended destination.

Commenting on recent drug-related arrests involving Malaysians overseas, Hussein said Malaysia's geographical position is one of the factors making it a transit route for international drug trafficking syndicates

He said the Royal Malaysia Police would strengthen security measures at the country's entry and exit points to curb cross-border drug trafficking and prevent Malaysia from being labelled as a regional transit hub.

Last year, NCID seized 89 tonnes of various drugs nationwide. Hussein added that enforcement efforts have remained consistent this year, with almost 46 tonnes seized in the first six months of 2026.