"This successful operation is a manifestation of the army's commitment to combating drug trafficking in border regions," Commander of the 121/Alambhana Wanawwai (Abw) Military Command Post, Brig. General Luqman Arie, said in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, on Saturday.
He added that the drug bust was the result of coordination between the command post's combat engineer battalion and residents participating as the army's intelligence partners under the Anti-Narcotics Embryo Radar program.
However, the army could not intercept and apprehend the smugglers, who reportedly fled using an illegal route connecting Indonesia and Malaysia, he informed.
The local military commander highlighted that in the past year, TNI-AD has foiled cross-border attempts to smuggle over 200 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine.
He affirmed that his side will continue to conduct patrols along the Indonesia-Malaysia border, including illegal routes, to protect the country from the threat of drug abuse.
"In West Kalimantan, Indonesia shares a 987-kilometer borderline with Malaysia. Hence, it is vital to put a surveillance system in place and stay alert to the potential of the inflow of illegal goods, such as narcotics," he pointed out.
Arie then emphasized the importance of local residents continuing to play an active role in helping the army hinder smuggling attempts in their areas.
"I would like to thank the border security task force and people participating in the Anti-Drugs Embryo Radar program for their efforts. Let us all continue this fight," he said.
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Translator: Dedi, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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