Frenchman Tom Félix Acquitted of Drug Charges in Malaysia After 21 Months in Detention

Tom Félix, a 34-year-old French citizen, was acquitted of drug trafficking charges by a Malaysian court on February 3, 2026, following over 21 months in detention. The High Court of Alor Setar ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove Félix's guilt, leading to his release. Félix had been arrested in August 2023 after police discovered cannabis in shared spaces of his residence in Langkawi, where he had invested around €40,000 in a restaurant venture. Despite DNA tests clearing him, he was detained alongside a business associate who admitted to receiving drug packages.

During his time in custody, Félix endured inhumane conditions in a crowded prison in Perlis, with 38 inmates sharing a cell and inadequate sanitation facilities. His arrest and detention were met with significant French governmental attention. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed "immense relief" upon hearing of Félix's acquittal, while President Emmanuel Macron had raised the case with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the G20 summit in November 2024. Félix's lawyer, François Zimeray, praised the French government's intervention in ensuring the case received proper attention and called the verdict a huge relief for those who believed in his innocence.

Before his arrest, Félix was a former Veolia executive with expertise in aquaculture and marine biology, preparing to open his restaurant in Malaysia. A support committee named 'Free Tom Félix' had been actively advocating for his release in France.

This case highlights the challenges faced by foreign nationals caught in complex legal systems abroad and underscores the importance of diplomatic efforts in protecting citizens overseas.