TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has revealed that over 100 Indonesian citizens have been apprehended on drug-related charges in foreign countries.

“Our focus is to determine how these individuals were recruited, whether through deception or willingly involvement in drug networks. We are currently investigating this matter,” stated Commissioner General Marthinus Hukom, Head of the BNN, during a press conference on August 5, 2024.

Marthinus mentioned a planned meeting with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi to discuss collaborative efforts in addressing this issue, including a virtual meeting involving Indonesian embassies in countries with high numbers of Indonesian citizens facing drug-related problems.

He acknowledged that this is a long-standing issue, predating his tenure. The agency regularly receives reports from Indonesian embassies about Indonesian citizens entangled in drug crimes abroad.

Since assuming his position in December 2023, Marthinus has noted the arrests of approximately 11 Indonesian citizens on drug charges: four in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; five in India; and two in Brazil.

While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for providing legal protection to these citizens, the BNN is tasked with dismantling the international drug syndicates involved.

“The point is that we have taken steps together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the arrested people are far away,” Marthinus emphasized.

ANTARA

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