Regional BNN offices established

JAKARTA: The government issued on Monday a joint decree on the establishment of regional offices of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) as part of nationwide efforts to curb drug trafficking.

Signed by Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno, State Minister of Administrative Reforms Feisal Tamim and National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar, the decree requires each province and regency/municipality to set up branch offices of the agency.

"Through this decree we hope to strengthen our efforts against drug trafficking. We urge regional governments to immediately comply with the decree," Da'i said.

The agency has the authority to investigation and arrest drug traffickers and users.

Indonesia has been struggling to curb drug trafficking, especially since the country has emerged not only as a market but also a producer in past years. Recently, the government established the country's first prison solely for drug-related criminals here in the capital.--Antara.