Customs Says Aceh Is A Gateway For Drugs From Thailand And Malaysia

BANDA ACEH - Head of the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise for the Riau Islands, Akhmad Rofiq, said that Aceh is the gateway for drugs to enter Indonesian territory.

"Aceh is a gateway for drugs from neighboring countries such as Thailand and Malaysia because the distance is close, so it doesn't cost a lot," said Akhmad Rofiq, in Banda Aceh, as reported by Antara, Tuesday, March 29.

Akhmad Rofiq was present in Banda Aceh to receive the Aceh Police Chief Inspector General Ahmad Haydar's award for the synergy in the disclosure of 357.9 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 206,638 ecstasy pills, and 19,859 Happy Five pills.

However, said Akhmad Rofiq, not only Aceh, but also along the coast of the Malacca Strait can also be a gateway for drugs to enter Indonesia. This means that these drug dealers take advantage of the carelessness of the officers to smuggle drugs into Indonesia.

Therefore, said Akhmad Rofiq, Customs and Excise at all times conduct patrols in the waters of the Malacca Strait to prevent the smuggling of drugs and other illegal goods.

"We are supported by 40 patrol boats, continue to guard the waters of the Malacca Strait from Aceh to Lampung, and up to the Natuna waters. Our officers do not recognize holidays, continue to patrol to prevent the entry of prohibited goods into Indonesia," said Akmad Rofiq.

In Aceh, said Akhmad Rofiq, Customs and Excise officers synergizing with the National Police have repeatedly carried out the prevention of drug smuggling. Moreover, Aceh is used as an entry point for the smuggling of these prohibited goods.

Therefore, said Akhmad Rofiq, the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise for the Special Riau Islands continues to increase synergy with the Aceh Regional Police to prevent the entry of drugs and other prohibited items.

"We are ready to support what the Aceh Police need. This support is not only in Aceh, but also in other areas along the Malacca Strait. Drug prevention is of course a shared task," said Akhmad Rofiq.