"Young people play a pivotal role in the fight against addictive drugs since they are vulnerable to becoming users and couriers," Bahuri informed journalists after destroying seized drugs in commemoration of 2019 Youth Pledge Day here on Monday.
The active role of youngsters in measures to prevent and counter drugs is indispensable amid the fact that the number of young-aged drug users tends to increase, he stated.
Related news: Nunukan police confiscate 20 kg meth smuggled from Malaysia
With the young people's active role and contribution in the war against drugs, the number of drug users in the country can be significantly reduced, he noted.
Referring to South Kalimantan Police's experience in handling drug cases, local drug rings have been found to recruit teenagers as couriers.
In July 2019, for instance, the South Kalimantan Police's Anti-Drug Department revealed that a local drug ring had roped in a 15-year-old teenager as a courier following the arrest of a suspect, solely identified by his initials as RD.
"The suspect is 15 years of age. He was arrested along with another suspect, MP, 39, while selling 5.1 grams of crystal methamphetamine," South Kalimantan Police's anti-drug squad member, Adjunct Senior Commissioner Sigit Kumoro, stated.
Indonesia remains under grave threat from drug traffickers, as several individuals from its working-age population have become embroiled in a vicious circle.
The National Narcotics Agency's (BNN's) report on some 50 Indonesians dying of drug use daily has failed to deter addicts.
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People across communities and from distinct socio-economic and cultural backgrounds use crystal methamphetamine, narcotics, marijuana, and other addictive drugs.
Hence, Indonesia is perceived by both domestic and transnational drug dealers as a potential market due to its huge population and millions of drug users. The value of drug trade in the country is estimated to have reached nearly Rp66 trillion.
In response to the illicit drug trade over the past few decades, the Indonesian government continues to take punitive action against them.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo had also issued shoot-at-sight orders against drug traffickers.
However, drug felons remain undeterred and continue to treat Indonesia as one of their key markets even as law enforcers continue to wage their war.
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EDITED BY INE
Translator: Yudi A, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
