The crystal methamphetamine was destroyed using a cement mixer in the presence of Aceh Governor Nova Iriansyah and local government officials.
The drugs were examined by the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) before they were destroyed, said police.
Aceh Police chief Insp.Gen.Wahyu Widada said the crystal meth destroyed on Wednesday was seized by a joint team comprising officials from Aceh and the National Police during a series of drug raids since the start of this year.
Last year, almost one ton of crystal meth was confiscated during drug raids. "Today, 404.9 kg of crystal meth was destroyed,” Widada said.
To break the chain of drug crimes in communities, changing the people's mindset is necessary, he noted. People need to be persuaded to refrain from getting involved in drug offenses and abuse, he added.
Domestic and transnational drug dealers view Indonesia as a potential market owing to its huge 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.
Over the past few decades, the Indonesian government has taken harsh action against drug barons found smuggling and trading drugs in the country.
The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has sought capital punishment for those involved in the 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 major market, prompting Indonesian law enforcers to step up operations against them. (INE)
Related news: Police thwart attempt to smuggle 81kg of drugs from Malaysia
Related news: A tale of Aceh's prolonged war on drugs
EDITED BY INE
Translator: M.Haris SA, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
