EX-DRUG MULES GLAD TO CELEBRATE RAYA
2 thankful for being able to return from Peru after so many years
GOING abroad is an experience to cherish. However, this is not the case when you end up being used as a drug mule by international syndicates.
For Noor Azimah Sapie, 38, returning to Malaysia after being stranded in Peru made this Hari Raya Aidilfitri a very special occasion.
“This Raya, I want to seek forgiveness from my mother and brother,” said Noor Azimah in Bangi recently.
She had not kissed her mother’s hands on the morning of every Hari Raya for the past 10 years after a “dream vacation” to Peru in 2008 ended up a nightmare for her.
She was conned by a drug syndicate into thinking that she had won a trip to Peru.
What was supposed to be a 10day trip became 10 years, and she had to endure life as a homeless illegal immigrant.
“For years, I have not had the chance to seek forgiveness from my family.
“What I miss most about Aidilfitri when I was abroad is the gathering with my family, grandfather and grandmother.”
With help from Umno’s welfare bureau and Berita Harian, as well as cooperation from Wisma Putra and the Malaysian embassy in Peru, Noor Azimah’s nightmare came to an end when she returned home on March 26.
She came back with another drug mule, Nor Suzanna Azmi, 36, who had been stranded in Peru for 12 years, including serving a 2½-year jail sentence.
Berita Harian had reported the plight of the two women, as well as another victim, Syzlin Hataman, in 2016.
However, Syzlin, who was from Johor Baru and suffering from diabetes and asthma, had died at a hospital in Peru on Oct 7 last year.
Noor Azimah, who married Peruvian Emilio Ignacio Alarcon Leon@Osman, returned home with her daughter, Qistina Maisara Alarcon Sapie, 8. She will celebrate the festive season with her family in Negri Sembilan.
As for Nor Suzanna, she was still in disbelief at being able to celebrate Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“Aidilfitri in Peru was different because there was no celebration like we have here. Hari Raya is just like any other day, and only a few close friends will wish you.
“Every year, the desire to return home is strong, but they never came true. Alhamdulillah, Allah has granted my prayers this year,” she said.
Nor Suzanna added that she would celebrate in moderation with her Peruvian husband, Garlin Lever Quispe Sanchez@Yusof, and their two sons, Muhammad Duler Akasyah Salas Azmi and Garlin Junior Quispe Azmi@Huzaifah.
“I am grateful that my family has accepted me because even though what I did was not intentional, it has surely affected them.
“But Alhamdulillah, they accept me, especially my mother and siblings, who are always with me.”