Before incinerating the drugs on Thursday, the Central Police's forensic laboratory officers took their samples to test their authenticity.
Police investigators also kept a small portion of the seized drugs, which will be produced during court proceedings against the arrested drug traffickers.
According to director of the Central Java Police's Narcotics Division, Sen.Coms.Lutfi Martadian, the 20 kg of marijuana was brought to Semarang city from Aceh province.
Related news: Legislator lauds BNN plan to strengthen drug users' rehabilitation
"However, the marijuana package could be confiscated before being shipped to West Kalimantan province from Semarang," he said, adding that the 4.07 kg of crystal meth was smuggled from Malaysia to East Java province.
The shipment of the crystal meth package, concealed inside wooden frames, was seized when it arrived in Semarang, he said.
Central Java police investigators attempted to track the recipient of the crystal meth package based on the address in East Java it was shipped to. However, no one showed up to pick up the package, he added.
Indonesia remains under grave threat from drug dealers, as several individuals from its working-age population have become trapped in a vicious circle of drug abuse.
Related news: Some 1.196 tons of meth seized in Pangandaran: Police Chief
The National Narcotics Agency's (BNN's) report of at least 50 Indonesians dying of drug use daily has failed to deter drug users in the country.
The users of crystal methamphetamine, narcotics, marijuana, and other types of addictive drugs come from different communities and socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
In February 2021, for instance, West Java Police's Internal Affairs Division (Propam) arrested 12 cops for allegedly consuming narcotics.
Indonesia is perceived by both domestic and transnational drug dealers as a potential market due to its vast population and millions of drug users. The value of the drug trade in the country is estimated to have reached nearly Rp66 trillion.
In response to the smuggling of illicit drugs by drug kingpins over the past few decades, the Indonesian government has continued to apply harsh punitive action against them.
Related news: Twelve international airlines resume regular operations in Bali
Related news: G20 plays strategic role in boosting Indonesia's renewable energy
Translator: IC Senjaya, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
