Appreciation of Law Enforcement Efforts to Prevent the Spread of Drugs in Society
By: Melia S. Eretan*)
Drug abuse and distribution are serious threats to the nation. Efforts to eradicate drugs require synergy between various parties, including law enforcement officers, local governments, the legislature, and the community. Three recent drug eradication cases in various regions of Indonesia show how collaboration and joint commitment can create a safer and more conducive environment.
The NTB Regional Police (Polda) demonstrated its success in combating drug trafficking. The NTB Police explained various concrete steps that have been taken throughout 2024. The Director of Drugs at the NTB Police, Senior Commissioner Pol. Deddy Supriadi, stated that the Police continue to optimize drug eradication efforts in the NTB region. He explained that in 2024, the NTB Police managed to uncover 863 drug cases with a total of 1,150 suspects. This success has also saved the state potential losses of IDR 76.87 billion. Senior Commissioner Pol. Deddy emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach, which focuses on law enforcement and involves community empowerment to break the chain of drug distribution.
In addition, activities involving various elements, including local governments, community organizations, and students, are expected to increase awareness and build collective commitment. The NTB Police also continue to encourage the public to report any information related to suspicious activities related to drugs. Senior Commissioner Pol. Deddy Supriadi said that any information received will be followed up seriously, as part of efforts to realize a drug-free NTB.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Drug Investigation (Ditresnarkoba) of the North Sumatra Police recorded significant success in the second week of January 2025. In the period from 7 to 13 January 2025, the North Sumatra Police uncovered 73 cases of narcotics crimes with a total of 92 suspects. Of that number, 23 people were users, while 69 others were strongly suspected of being involved in a drug distribution network.
In this disclosure, the authorities managed to confiscate a number of narcotics evidence, such as 547 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 72 ecstasy pills, 178 grams of marijuana, and 15 marijuana plants. In addition, non-narcotics evidence, such as vehicles, communication devices, and cash, were also secured as part of efforts to narrow the room for dealers to move.
Head of Public Relations of the North Sumatra Police, Senior Commissioner Hadi Wahyudi, explained that this success was the result of hard work by a solid team of law enforcers. He added that drug eradication operations will continue to be carried out intensively, especially in vulnerable areas. Hadi expressed his high appreciation for the dedication of the personnel involved in disclosing this case. According to him, the commitment of the North Sumatra Police is to create a North Sumatra that is clean and safe from narcotics. He also appealed to the public to play an active role in providing information regarding suspicious activities in the surrounding environment, as a form of support for law enforcement efforts.
Not only the police, legislative support is also an important component in combating drug abuse. Chairman of Commission III of the Central Kalimantan DPRD, Sugiyarto, said that prevention is the most effective step in dealing with the threat of drugs. According to him, synergy between the government, law enforcement officers, and the community is very necessary to create a safer and more conducive environment.
Sugiyarto emphasized the importance of socialization and education to the younger generation about the dangers of drugs. He also appreciated the various efforts of related agencies in eradicating drug trafficking networks in Central Kalimantan. Sugiyarto emphasized that this step must continue to be strengthened so that drug networks can be eradicated to the roots. Through the full support of the Central Kalimantan DPRD for prevention and enforcement programs, it is hoped that Central Kalimantan Province can become a region that is free from drugs, and produce a young generation that is healthy, has integrity, and is free from the threat of narcotics.
These three efforts show that eradicating drugs is not only the responsibility of law enforcement officers, but also requires support from all elements of society. Empowering the community in fighting drugs is an important step in creating an environment free from the influence of narcotics. Education, socialization, and cross-sector cooperation are the keys to breaking the chain of drug distribution throughout Indonesia.
