"Narcotics coming from Malaysia have poisoned people in the border region," the commander of the 6th Mulawarman Military Command, Major General Dicky Wainal Usman, said.
Nunukan, North Kalimantan (ANTARA News) - Drug trafficking and smuggling activities have become a serious threat on the Indonesia-Malaysia border in North Kalimantan, a local military commander has confirmed.

"Narcotics coming from Malaysia have poisoned people in the border region," the commander of the 6th Mulawarman Military Command, Major General Dicky Wainal Usman, said here on Thursday.

In view of that, he called on the people and law enforcers in the border to intensify communication to eradicate narcotic distribution by preventing illegal drug transactions from happening.

Dicky Wainal Usman noted that the drug menace had to be tackled seriously because of its effect on the younger generation.

Another serious threat in the border area is smuggling, which is a chronic issue due to alleged involvement of offices.

He noted that assistance by officials in smuggling activities must be curbed.

Other issues in the border are illegal logging and fishing, which have often happened and required cooperation of the neighboring country to be tackled.

To ensure security conditions in the border region, all elements must be firm in not providing room for any individual to supply drugs and conduct other illegal activities in the province.

The commander expressed belief that with good cooperation all the issues could be resolved.

Among the obstacles hindering security control efforts were illegal shortcut routes that have so far been used by those involved in illegal activities, he added.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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