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RI to propose greater maritime drug interdiction efforts
The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) will propose the strengthening of maritime interdiction operations to disrupt illicit drug trafficking networks during the 36th Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) in Singapore from Aug
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he National Narcotics Agency (BNN) will propose the strengthening of maritime interdiction operations to disrupt illicit drug trafficking networks during the 36th Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) in Singapore from Aug. 24 to 27.
'This [interdiction] is important because ASEAN member countries are mostly bordered by sea,' BNN head Anang Iskandar said as quoted by Antara on Monday. He was speaking before he departed to Singapore from Hong Kong on Sunday evening.
The interdiction efforts Anang refers to are the efforts to catch both national and international drug syndicates by pursuing or halting individuals, vessels, airplanes or vehicles suspected of trafficking narcotics or narcotics-related good, during which security authorities will arrest suspects and confiscate evidence and assets.
Anang said strengthening maritime interdiction operations was important because most drug trafficking was conducted by sea.
'Water makes up the majority of Indonesia's territory. Its waters border on other ASEAN member countries. Indonesia's position has made it a strategic route for illicit drug trafficking activity,' said Anang.
He went on to say that Indonesia had become a target for drug syndicates wanting to distribute various drugs, especially amphetamines, ecstasy pills and crystal methamphetamine.
'Indonesia is home to 40 percent of all drug users in ASEAN member countries. There are around 4.2 million drug users in the country,' said Anang.
During the 3rd Meeting of ASEAN Airport Interdiction Task Forces (AAITF) two years ago, a number of ASEAN member countries agreed to build a cooperation and collaboration network for interdiction operations, especially airport interdiction, to break up illicit drug distribution networks. The network was aimed at achieving a drug-free ASEAN by 2015. The network was also expected to support Indonesia's national strategy on illicit drug distribution prevention and eradication, or P4GN.
'Indonesia will maximize its interdiction task force, which has already shown an improved work performance as is proven by the increase in the number of drug suspects arrested and drugs confiscated,' said Anang. (ebf)
