Panata Yononarongdetkul, the crime management specialist of the prison’s women’s wing, said their offences included taking drugs, possessing drugs, or becoming mules for drug distribution syndicates.

She said most of them are believed to have been deceived into committing the offences after being offered luxury items and substantial rewards.

“Almost all of these women are still young, in their 20s. We feel sorry because they end up languishing in prison due to their mistakes.

“We want to advise women not to be easily deceived by the temptation of luxurious lifestyles offered by certain individuals, as it is highly likely that it’s a ploy by drug syndicates,” she told the media through a translator during a special visit to the prison recently.

Separately, a female prisoner from Tumpat, Kelantan, known only as Ana, said she and her boyfriend were arrested for drug possession at a hotel near Sungai Golok two years ago.

The 26-year-old said she did not know that her boyfriend was carrying drugs at the time. She was eventually sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of drug possession.

“I regret trusting my boyfriend too much without realising the risks I would face. It’s a lesson for me,” she added.