Psychotropic law useful: Dibyo

Psychotropic law useful: Dibyo

JAKARTA (JP): National Police Chief Gen. Dibyo Widodo said
yesterday the enactment of 1997 Psychotropic Law No. 5 had helped
reduce the number of drug cases in the country.

Heavier punishment stipulated in the law had made many people
think twice before they got involved with drugs, he said.

"I can't give an exact figure, but it is obvious that the
number of drug-related crimes has decreased since the law was
applied," Dibyo said.

He was speaking during a one-day seminar on drugs and drug
addicts here yesterday.

The existence of the law had also reduced the import and
circulation of psychotropic drugs, especially Ecstasy, in the
country, he said.

"But that doesn't mean there aren't any more drugs in the
country. We're still facing a great threat from drugs," he said.

The police would always be ready to fight against drug users
and dealers and to eliminate drugs, he said.

"We'll continue our routine operations at places which are
prone to drug abuse. We've prepared a special budget to finance
the battle," he said.

Dibyo refused to reveal the amount. "It's not much. Only a
dozen million rupiah." (cst)