Indonesia intensifies crackdown on drug crimes

Police spokesperson Krishna Murti revealed that international drug syndicates have been recruiting drug couriers in Indonesia, particularly in large cities and vulnerable areas.

An American man and two Kazakh nationals face the death penalty for alleged drug crimes on the popular Indonesian resort island of Bali (Photo: AP)
An American man and two Kazakh nationals face the death penalty for alleged drug crimes on the popular Indonesian resort island of Bali (Photo: AP)

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia police force is investigating information about transnational drug trafficking networks that are expanding its operations in major cities in the country, according to the Indonesian National Police.

Police spokesperson Krishna Murti revealed that international drug syndicates have been recruiting drug couriers in Indonesia, particularly in large cities and vulnerable areas. The targeted recruits are often individuals with limited education, poor financial circumstances, and little awareness of the legal consequences.

Krishna noted that these groups offer payment ranging from 10 million to 100 million IDR (approximately 600 to 6,000 USD), depending on the quantity of drugs transported and the complexity of the mission. The promise of quick money, he said, has made many Indonesians susceptible to recruitment.

A notable tactic employed by these syndicates is a scheme dubbed the “Deposit Operation,” which involves disguising drug shipments as documents or pharmaceutical ingredients. Indonesian nationals are then used to carry these packages abroad, unknowingly becoming part of international drug trafficking chains.

Authorities say the situation underscores the urgent need to raise public awareness and strengthen enforcement, especially in communities most vulnerable to exploitation./.

VNA

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