Indonesia, Saudi Arabia launch training against drug trafficking

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The governments of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia strengthened their anti-narcotics collaboration by organizing an educational initiative themed "Training on Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking and Abuse: New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)."

During a kick-off event in Jakarta on Monday (February 3), Deputy for Law and Cooperation at Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) Agus Irianto remarked that the two countries shared the same commitment to tackling issues related to drugs, especially those concerning NPS.

"Around 160 variations of NPS have been circulating in Indonesia, with the count projected to continue growing," he noted in the agency's statement cited here on Tuesday.

Irianto stated that Saudi Arabia is facing a similar challenge, adding that the Gulf State has been combating the smuggling of drugs by Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Given these circumstances, Irianto expressed optimism that the joint training program, which runs until February 12, would help the two nations strengthen their intelligence cooperation in addressing drug smuggling.

"Indonesia is confident that solid cooperation at the national, regional, and international levels could be an effective means to crack down on illicit drug trafficking," he pointed out.

He then elaborated on the threats posed by narcotics and drew attention to their detrimental effects not only on nations but also on communities and individuals.

In this context, the official underscored the importance of anti-drug trafficking training as a crucial step towards fostering greater collaboration between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia in tackling international drug rings.

In his speech, Irianto also expressed his appreciation to the Narcotics Attaché of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Jakarta, Abdullah Meneef Alharbi, for pioneering the training program, which he views as a manifestation of the two countries' shared commitment to the war on drugs.

A total of 20 officials at the Saudi Arabian General Directorate of Narcotics Control are participating in the training program.