Tangerang declared drug free zone

Tangerang declared drug free zone

TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang administration launched a
campaign on Wednesday to make the town a drug-free zone.

Mayor M. Thamrin said they would work in cooperation with the
police to uncover drug trafficking in the area as many drugs were
being smuggled in through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in
Tangerang.

He said the regency had erected street banners all over the
town to warn the public about the dangers of drugs. They had also
distributed posters urging a drug-free family life for residents.

He said the campaign, which also involved members of the
public and the schools, was expected to reduce the level of drug
abuse, especially among the youth.

Official data compiled by the Tangerang Police shows that
there had been 89 drugs cases brought to court over the past 14
months, involving 120 suspects, including six women.

The defendants had received sentences ranging from one year in
prison right up to the death sentence.

"The Tangerang district court has sentenced to death eight
people -- three of whom were Indonesians, while the other five
were foreigners," Thamrin said. (41/04)