"Indonesia`s geographical spread has been used as an opportunity by international drug syndicates to target the country as a market," Commissioner General Budi Waseso said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - As many as 65 new psychoactive substances (NPS) have entered Indonesia out of the total 664 NPS found in 102 countries, as indicated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in its 2008-2015 World Report.

"Just 65 new types (of illicit drugs) have entered Indonesia, while only 43 types have been regulated in the Health Ministrys Regulation," Commissioner General Budi Waseso, chief of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), said in his remarks during the commemoration of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the Indonesian Miniature Park, East Jakarta, on Thursday.

Regulations could not be applied on the rest, he noted.

"Indonesias geographical spread has been used as an opportunity by international drug syndicates to target the country as a market," he said.

The countrys large demographic bonus has facilitated several illegal entries.

Illicit drugs are weapons in a proxy war to paralyze a countrys power; hence the crime must be eradicated comprehensively, he emphasized.

The function was also attended by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto, Chief of the Indonesian Defense Forces General Gatot Nurmantyo, and Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Consultative Assembly Oesman Sapta Odang, among others.

This year, the day is nationally themed "Active Role and Empowerment of Every Component and Potential of the Nation in Facing Drug Emergency Situation Toward Healthy Indonesia."

Several students, prominent figures, and NGO activists also took part in the event.

Indonesia views drug abuse as a real threat to the nation since the country has about four million drug users.

According to the BNN, drug abuse leads to the deaths of 33 Indonesians, mostly young men, every day.

President Joko Widodo has declared that Indonesia is in a state of drug emergency.

Meanwhile, internationally, the theme for the 2017 edition of the day is "Listen First - Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe." (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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