Expert says police drug raids miss the mark

JAKARTA (JP): The new police approach of raiding night spots in tandem with medical teams may net more drug users but fails to address the root of the problem, a criminologist said Saturday.

The police should instead be focusing on halting illegal entry of drugs into the country in stemming the drug problem, Adrianus Meliala of the University of Indonesia's School of Social and Political Sciences said.

"The police should work on the higher level by eliminating the bosses, who are involved in drug smuggling and distribution, rather than just focusing on the users," he told The Jakarta Post.

He said airports should receive more attention, as most drugs were smuggled in through these gateways.

City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday the City Police had used medical teams from Ciptomangunkusumo General Hospital in raids during the past two weeks.

Doctors examine suspected drug users for dilated pupils, often an indication of drugs, and also check urine and blood samples.

He said the implementation of the new raid procedure was in accordance with the approval of a bill on narcotics on July 24 by the House of Representatives. It will replace the 1976 narcotics law when enacted.

The bill proposes heavy penalties for use and trading in drugs, and allows the police to use unconventional methods, including wiretapping procedures, in drug investigations.

Aritonang said police could now arrest people determined to be under the influence of drugs by the doctors, even if they did not have any illegal substances in their possession.

The police could previously do little to arrest suspected users unless they were found in possession of the drugs. People usually threw drugs onto the floor when they knew a raid was taking place.

"Now, those who are suspected of being under the influence of drugs will be examined by the doctors. They will be asked to give their urine samples and fill in identity forms," Aritonang said.

They would also be transported to city police headquarters for preliminary questioning before being released, he said.

"If the urine test is positive for drugs, the police will summon the person as a suspect," Aritonang said.

At least 180 alleged drug users were apprehended during raids on discotheques throughout the city since the new policy began. The police are still awaiting results of the urine tests, which take up to three days.

Convicted drug users face prison terms of between four years and 15 years, or fines of up to Rp 150 million (US$58,823), Aritonang said. (cst)