The BNN has continued to undertake law enforcement efforts to stop drug trafficking networks despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and fasting month of RamadhanJakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) confirmed that 212.39 kilograms crystal meth and 19,700 ecstasy pills were seized from 13 drug dealers and couriers arrested during raids in Sumatra, Java, and Madura islands in March-April 2021.
"The BNN has continued to undertake law enforcement efforts to stop drug trafficking networks despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and fasting month of Ramadhan," the agency's head, Coms. Gen. Petrus Reinhard Golose, stated at a press conference here on Wednesday.
The 13 suspects were believed to belong to a Madura-Dumai drug ring. They were arrested in areas, such as Dumai City in Riau, the Kalimantan and Sulawesi waters, East Aceh in Aceh, Bagan Siapi-Api in Riau, as well as Sidoarjo and Madura in East Java, he remarked.
The BNN officers continue their endeavors to crack down on drug rings and stop drug trades across the country, according to Golose.
Two of the 13 suspects, only identified by their initials as ATR and AF, were apprehended by BNN officers at the Purabaya bus terminal in Sidoarjo District and in Sampang, Madura Island, East Java, on March 25.
During the drug raid operation, 6.27 kg of crystal meth were seized, while another suspect, identified as Y, remains at large, Golose stated.
After ATR and AF were arrested, the BNN officers apprehended MA and M in Dumai City as well as MAH in the waters of Tanjung Punak Village in Rupat Utara Sub-district, Bengkalis District, Riau Province, on March 28, he remarked.
The BNN officers confiscated 31.83 kg of crystal meth from the suspects, who packed the drug package in 30 Chinese tea-covered bags, he revealed.
Domestic and transnational drug dealers are targeting Indonesia in the wake of 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.
Over the past few decades, the Indonesian government has taken harsh punitive action against drug barons found smuggling and trading contraband in the country.
The BNN has sought capital punishment for those involved in drug trade in the country, while Indonesian President Joko Widodo has issued shoot-at-sight orders against drug kingpins.
However, drug traffickers remain undeterred and continue to treat Indonesia as a major market, thereby prompting Indonesian law enforcers to step up vigil against them. Related news: Detained drug traffickers plan to target N Sumatra's Tanjung Balai
Related news: Navy hands over drug packages, suspects to BNN-North Sumatra office
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Translator: Genta TM, Rahmad Nasution
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