The suspect, only identified by his initial S, was arrested in Kapuk Muara neighborhood, Penjaringan Subdistrict, North Jakarta, Chief of the West Jakarta Police Narcotics Unit Adjunct Sen.Coms.Ronaldo Maradona Siregar was quoted as saying here Sunday.
Siregar did not disclose the total weight of the crystal meth package that S would deliver in the midst of public activity restrictions the government is currently enforcing to halt the potential spread of novel coronavirus disease among community members in Jakarta.
"When arrested, S was carrying a huge haul of crystal meth," he said, adding that the suspect is currently under the police custody for a further investigation.
Domestic and trans-national drug dealers perceive Indonesia as a potential market owing to its vast population and millions of drug users. Drug trade in the nation is valued at nearly Rp66 trillion.
People from all strata of society are falling prey to drugs in the country regardless of their socio-economic and professional backgrounds.
The Indonesian government has taken harsh punitive action against drug kingpins found smuggling and trading drugs in the country over the past few decades.
The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has even sought capital punishment for those involved in drug trade in the country.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has also issued shoot-at-sight orders against drug kingpins.
However, this has failed to deter drug traffickers, who continue to treat Indonesia as a main market, prompting Indonesian law enforcers to step up vigilance against them.
Being aware of real threats of both domestic and trans-national drug rings in the country, Indonesia's new national police chief, Com.Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, has been urged to continue a harsh crackdown on them.
Andi Rio Idris Padjalangi, a member of Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR), which oversees legal affairs, said he appealed to Prabowo to maintain the National Police's good synergy with BNN and other related agencies.
The National Police need also continue improving infrastructure and equipment needed for the fight against drug crimes, Padjalangi said.
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Translator: Livia K, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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