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)