Police pledge to fight against illegal drug trade

JAKARTA (JP): Police said yesterday that they will continue with their massive operation against discotheques, pubs, motels and other places suspected of illegal drug and sex transactions.

"The operation will be carried out the whole year," National Police deputy chief for operational affairs, Maj. Gen. M.B. Hutagalung, said after opening a photo exhibition on police service.

The recent raids on various discotheques and motels in the city have sparked protests from both visitors to the places and their owners, who say the operations have disturbed business and driven away customers.

They also said the number of armed police and military personnel that have been deployed is excessive.

"Should we examine everybody coming into the discotheque in order to make sure that no drug transactions take place here?" complained one of the owners.

Others claim that the raids have been conducted in a brutal manner, with some officers pointing their guns at the owners and visitors before searching their bodies for drugs.

When asked to comment, Hutagalung said that the main mission of the raids is to meet the public's demand that the city's young people be protected from drugs.

"Our duty is to serve the public," he said.

The need for numerous armed personnel is to reduce the possibility of suspects escaping, he said.

"It wouldn't be rational to deploy 10 officers in big crowds as the suspects could easily get away," Hutagalung said.

In recent operations, at least 100 uniformed officers, not including dozens of plainclothes police, have been deployed to search guests at the establishments, most of which have a capacity of between 5,000 and 15,000.

However, said the two-star general, the police are open to suggestions as to how they can improve the procedures.

"We're open to criticism," he said. "Just come to us and we'll talk and try to find a more effective way."

He added that the proprietors should also lend a hand to help the police reduce the number of drug transactions, especially Ecstasy.

"If they know Ecstasy is being used and sold at their places, they should not remain silent," Hutagalung warned.

In most cases, he said, not only do they keep their mouths closed, but the owners even seem to open their doors to Ecstasy addicts and traders by serving alcohol and playing house music, which are believed to heighten the sensation of the drug.(bsr)