BNN Warns Of Smuggling Of 251 New Types Of Narcotics

Pekanbaru, Riau, Oct 1 (Antara) - The National Narcotic agency (BNN) warned of smuggling into the country of 251 new types of narcotics not yet legally listed as illicit products. "Some of the illicit products have entered the country," chief spokesman of BNN Sr. Comr. Sumirat Dwiyanto said in Kampar, Riau Province, on Monday. The consumers have been only people of certain circles but the growing number of users causes concern, Sumirat said when visiting a fishing park owned by Kampar Regent Jefry Noer in Kampar. He said BNN has detected the presence of around 21 of the new narcotic substances circulated in a number of areas in the country, apparently smuggled from abroad. They are different in appearance from other drugs like heroin, ecstasy and methamphetamine, he said, adding they look more like pills of generic drug, he said. He said the new narcotic products have various modifications and are sold freely even legally produced in a number of countries. "But it is important for all of us to know that they are no less dangerous than ecstasy and methamphetamine even heroine," he said. The United Nations anti drug organization (UNODC) has also confirmed that there were 251 new substances believed to be narcotics, he said. "We have also carried out research and the result is positive on some of the suspected products. Research is still in process for the rest," he said. BNN chief Comr. Gen. Anang Iskandar said many people are not yet aware of the new types of narcotics, "therefore, routine socialization is necessary." Anang cautioned against the possibility of drug dealers capitalizing on the condition causing more people to fall victim of drugs. BNN, therefore, recommends that the 21 dangerous substances be legally listed as illicit products, to provide legal basis for the anti drug agency to deal with the traffickers. He said drug and medical technology and science is growing fast and new narcotics also results from the process.