Govt Intensifies Anti-drug Public Campaign for Migrant Workers Overseas

Beijing,(Antara) - Chief of the National Narcotic Agency (BNN) Commissioner General Budi Waseso has said that his agency is intensifying the anti-drug campaign against Indonesians overseas, particularly migrants living in countries prone to drug smuggling activities.

The agency has a program to familiarize the National Action Plan on Illicit Drug Abuse and Trafficking Eradication (P4GN) for Indonesians overseas, Waseso told Antara here Saturday.

His agency also plans to send representatives to those countries to introduce the action plan, and establish effective cooperation with them, he added.

Recently, he spoke before Indonesian migrant workers in Hong Kong and warned them not to be fooled by drug traffickers.

"You are here to earn a better income, and make a better life for your families in Indonesia. So, as you have traveled far to this country, do not end up as drug couriers, and then go to prison. Prison might not be that bad, but what about capital punishment," he asked the workers.

Currently, as many as 38 Indonesian workers have been jailed in Hong Kong on drug related cases. He reminded the workers, mostly female, to not be fooled by strangers, especially those from Pakistan and Western Africa.

"They are very good at flattery. After being flattered, a lot of money and goods will be given, with the final target to make you drug couriers. The destination is Indonesia, from various countries, including from the Middle East. Therefore, Indonesia is now in a state of emergency due to drugs," he told the workers.

He also reminded them not to use and buy drugs, and instead send their money to their children and parents in their hometowns.

During his stay in Hong Kong from August 11 to 13, Waseso held a meeting with Commissioner of Drug Bureau of Hong Kong Stephen Lo, to discuss anti-drug cooperation.(*)