South Sumatra Police Chief Leads Disposal of 200 Kilograms of Cannabis: Drugs Are Destroying the Nation

The South Sumatra Police Chief, Inspector General Sandi Nugroho, personally led the destruction of two hundred kilograms of cannabis packed into nine sacks, recovered from a cannabis plantation spanning 20 hectares in Batu Junggul Village, Muara Pinang District, on February 13. Sandi said this decisive step is not merely law enforcement but a strategic move to safeguard the nation’s future from the narcotics threat. “We hope this will signal that public awareness to reject the dangers of drugs is strengthening. If we are to realise Indonesia Emas 2045, the younger generation must be free of drugs,” he said in a written statement on Tuesday (19/5). He added that security today is no longer focused solely on physical crime but on protecting communities from the thraldom of drugs, emphasising the importance of synergy between the police and local residents. “Keeping the nation’s young people, families, relatives, and our environment free from drugs is a shared responsibility. Any crime, including drugs, can be uncovered if the police work with the public. The most accurate information often comes from the closest surroundings,” he stated. Regarding the progression of the case, five suspects have been named. Two individuals with the initials RS and A are undergoing intensive investigative steps, while three others, EA, YA, and PHR, remain on the Wanted Persons List (DPO). Sandi confirmed that they would combine policing technology with intelligence from the public. “At present, the Police are continuing to develop Scientific Crime Investigation by leveraging advances in technology. Yet, technology must be complemented by cooperation from all components of society. Not only users or distributors, but even traders must be fought together,” he said. The disposal activity was witnessed directly by the Regent of Empat Lawang, Joncik Muhammad, Forkopimda members, and community leaders.