"As a form of our support for the success of MXGP activities in Sumbawa, the National Narcotics Agency, together with the National Police, will continue to monitor for drug trafficking," head of the West Nusa Tenggara National Narcotics Agency, Gagas Nugraha, said in Mataram on Tuesday.
The supervision will not only be conducted in the area where the event takes place. Security measures at West Nusa Tenggara entry points, both on Lombok and Sumbawa islands, will also be made stricter.
"Basically, all areas which (could) be places for drug trafficking or abuse are under our monitoring," he informed.
Related news: Samota-Sumbawa MXGP: Racing supplies start to arrive in Lombok
Meanwhile, director of narcotics investigation at the West Nusa Tenggara Police Department, Police Commissioner Helmi Kwarta Kusuma Putra Rauf, said he has assigned a special team to monitor potential drug trafficking at the extreme sports event.
“So, in securing this MXGP, we are involved in the drug sub-task force, which consists of the National Narcotics Agency as well (since it is a joint team). Our team that goes to the field is equipped with cyber devices," Rauf informed.
Even though security measures will be focused on the event on Sumbawa Island, he assured that monitoring measures outside the event will also continue.
"(Just) because there will be MXGP activities on Sumbawa Island, (it does not necessarily mean) monitoring in other places will be weak. Rather, we will (conduct extensive) surveillance. The point is, there will be no room for them, (drug) dealers," he said.
The extreme race, which will be held from June 24–26, 2022, on Sumbawa Island will take place in an area of 18 hectares, with the circuit measuring 1,800 meters in length. The event will feature 'Free-Practice' activities, qualification, MX2, and MXGP.
The police will dispatch 2,196 personnel, comprising officers from the national defense force, police force, National Narcotics Agency, and government agencies such as the transportation service and public order officers, to secure the event.
Related news: Drug trafficking rising in Indonesia due to Myanmar conflict: BNN
Related news: Over 118 tons of drugs seized in 2021: BNN
Translator: Dhimas B P, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2022