TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said Indonesia has become a lucrative market for drug dealers, based on the findings of 325 drug trafficking cases resulting in seizures of 2,132 kilogram of drugs by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise.
The number of drug trafficking cases in 2017 increased from to 286 cases with a total weight of seized drugs recorded at 1,169 kilograms, when compared to 2016. Earlier today, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) exposed the smuggling of the 40 kilograms of crystal meth from Penang to Aceh.
Read: BNN Works with Transportation Ministry to Prevent Drug Smuggling
"In January, there have been 30 prosecutions with the total weight of drugs being seized at 120.7 kilograms," Sri Mkulyani said at the Central Customs Office in East Jakarta on Friday, January 19.
Furthermore, Sri Mulyani said, the increasing number of narcotics and psychotropic cases each year has been alarming. She suspects that the Indonesia's improving economy, middle class growth, and increasing needs of leisure have made Indonesia as one of the most lucrative markets for illegal drugs.
Read: Sri Mulyani Praises Customs Office for Foiling Drug Smuggling
Therefore, Sri Mulyani called on her staff to improve the coordination to prevent illegal drugs circulation, which could hamper the country’s economic growth.
In addition to causing health issues, illegal drugs pose threats against the future of the country.
"Young generations that should have been innovative and become the backbone of Indonesia could be destroyed by narcotics. Indonesia could lose young workforce. It is something to watch out for," said Sri Mulyani.
VINDRY FLORENTIN