Drugs rampant in SE Sulawesi

Drugs rampant in SE Sulawesi

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Police here expressed concern of
rampant drug abuse in the province on Saturday, saying it had
affected all levels and ages in the community.

"Drug abuse is even prevalent among children," the Southeast
Sulawesi Police chief, Col. Amir Iskandar, told Antara. He noted
that the number of cases increased in the past three years.

In his speech read by chief of local police detectives, Lt.
Col. R. Thibroni, Amir said there were only two drug cases in
1997, but the figure soared to 11 the following year and to 15 in
1999.

Throughout last year, local police confiscated 10,262 ecstasy
pills, shabu-shabu (crystal metamphetamine) and other drugs.

Amir stressed the importance of education and thorough
searches in airports and seaports to prevent the spread of drug
abuse. (04)