Bali gets tough

DENPASAR, Bali: Local police chief Maj. Gen. Benyamin LS Mamuaya yesterday ordered tighter supervision of public establishments in a bid to combat drug abuse.

Like several major cities in Indonesia, the tourist island has become a haven for dealers of Ecstasy, Benyamin said when installing the new Badung police precinct chief Lt. Col. I Wayan Wesma.

Last week's seizure of 20,781 Ecstasy pills at the Ngurah Rai International Airport showed that it is high time Bali stepped up the fight against drug trafficking.

"Improve coordination with relevant agencies and take harsh action against drug dealers," Benyamin was quoted by Antara as saying.

The Badung precinct oversees security in the fast developing Badung regency and the capital Denpasar. (pan)