Macao's Judiciary Police (PJ) have announced a record-breaking drug seizure, intercepting over 31 kilograms of cannabis buds with an estimated street value of 31.7 million Macao patacas (MOP). The operation, which led to the arrest of three men, marks the largest drug trafficking case in the city's history. The suspects were apprehended at Macau International Airport on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Airport Interception Leads to Major Arrests
The significant bust occurred when PJ officers, acting on intelligence, monitored a suspicious flight arriving from South Korea. Upon disembarkation, three men were identified as suspected drug traffickers. After the two Malaysian nationals collected their luggage, police intercepted them along with a Hong Kong man believed to be overseeing the operation.
Inside the luggage belonging to the Malaysian suspects, authorities discovered 56 vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis flowers wrapped in foil. Specifically, 16 packages were found in the luggage of one Malaysian man, and 40 packages in the suitcases of the other. The total weight of the seized cannabis buds, including packaging, was 31,772 grams.
International Trafficking Network Uncovered
The arrested individuals include two Malaysian nationals, aged 23 and 38, and a 33-year-old Hong Kong resident. Investigations by the Judiciary Police suggest that the drugs originated in Thailand and were transiting through South Korea before reaching Macao. The ultimate destination for the illicit shipment was believed to be Hong Kong, with Macao serving as a transit point.
According to police statements, the two Malaysian men were recruited by an international drug trafficking syndicate and were promised approximately 10,000 Malaysian ringgit each to transport the drugs. The Hong Kong suspect, identified by his surname Wan, is believed to be a key member orchestrating the smuggling effort. While the Malaysian suspects reportedly admitted to their role, the Hong Kong suspect has refused to cooperate with investigators.
Ongoing Investigation
A spokesperson for the Judiciary Police emphasized that this operation successfully disrupted a plan to transit a large quantity of drugs through Macao to neighboring regions and led to the arrest of key members of the syndicate's leadership. All three suspects have been handed over to the Public Prosecutions Office for further investigation, as authorities continue to pursue other individuals involved in the drug trafficking network.
5 Comments
Bella Ciao
The police should be commended for their vigilance, however, catching three individuals won't dismantle the entire network, especially when the main destination was Hong Kong.
Bermudez
Fantastic intelligence work. Protecting our borders is crucial.
Habibi
Glad they caught these guys. One less shipment on the streets.
ZmeeLove
This operation is a clear success for law enforcement, but it also highlights how easily international syndicates can use transit hubs like Macao.
Muchacho
It's important to stop drug trafficking, yet the article mentions the couriers were paid very little, which makes you wonder about the socio-economic factors at play.