During the raids, several suspects, including farm owners, couriers, and buyers, were arrested for their alleged involvement, Head of Jakarta Police's Narcotics Directorate Sen. Coms. Mukti Juharsa stated.
The marijuana farms, located in two areas, could be found owing to a joint investigation conducted by the Jakarta police officers along with their colleagues from the Mandailing Natal Police in North Sumatra Province, he remarked.
In the first area, the cops found some three hectares of marijuana farms, while in the second area, they discovered some eight hectares, he noted in a statement that ANTARA quoted here, Wednesday.
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The average age of cannabis plants, cultivated in the two farms, were forecast between three and four months while they could get harvested after reaching seven months of age, he remarked.
Five marijuana plants could be cultivated on one square meter of land, so two farms were projected to be able to produce 55 tons of wet cannabis in one harvest period, Juharsa stated.
Indonesia remains under serious threat from drug dealers, as several individuals from its working-age population get trapped in a vicious circle.
The National Narcotics Agency's (BNN's) report that some 50 Indonesians die of drugs everyday has yet to deter drug users in the country to stop consuming the addictive substances.
The users of crystal methamphetamine, narcotics, marijuana, and other types of addictive drugs can be any of the community members from distinct socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
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Hence, it comes as no surprise if drug users are, sometimes, politicians, students, and entertainers. In April 2018, for instance, a former legislator, Arbab Pabroeka, was arrested for a drug offense.
In August 2018, Ibrahim Hasan, alias Ibrahim Hongkong, a member of Langkat District's legislative body in North Sumatra Province, was also arrested for his alleged involvement in transnational drug trafficking activities.
Due to this case, Ibrahim was sacked from the membership of National Democrat Party (Nasdem) that had paved the way for his political career until he was elected as member of Langkat District's legislative body.
Considering the above reality, drug trafficking activities have apparently become an ongoing threat to Indonesia’s security and human resources.
In winning the war against drug dealers, harsh punishments, including the imposition of death penalties on drug dealers, are becoming increasingly necessary.
However, the law enforcement approach should also be combined with preventive measures, such as regular blood and urine drug tests for students, employees, and other segments of society, as well as public awareness campaigns on the dangers of addictive drugs.
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Translator: FS Rassat, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
