Narcotics Body, Military Cooperate To Eradicate Use, Distribution Of Drugs

Jakarta, May 13 (Antara) -- The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Defense Forces (TNI) to prevent and eradicate the distribution of drugs and rehabilitate drug abusers, drug addicts and narcotic precursors. Chief of the BNN Commissioner General Anang Iskandar and Chief of the TNI General Moeldoko signed the MoU at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Wednesday. General Moeldoko said that as the state defense force, the TNI was prepared to protect the country against the threats narcotics posed. With this cooperation, both agencies will hopefully establish synergy to eradicate drugs as part of efforts to save younger generations. "As soldiers, we are prepared to implement the MoU. Our soldiers are prepared to contribute their thoughts, energy, facilities and infrastructure as required. We are now in a state of emergency over drugs," he remarked. Moreover, Commissioner General Anang Iskandar stated that the BNN had found it difficult to eradicate drugs on its own, as a result of which it needs to cooperate with other institutions, including the TNI. "We have also cooperated with several ministries in preventing and eradicating drugs," he affirmed. The country now has some four million drug addicts who must be rehabilitated, Iskandar pointed out. "These four million people are the market for drugs businesses. They are what make drugs businesses rampant in Indonesia. We must bring the figure down to zero," he emphasized.