To Prevent Misuse, East Java Police Destroy 22.22 kg of Cocaine Found in Sumenep

Surabaya (ANTARA) - The East Java Regional Police destroyed 22.22 kilograms of cocaine, a type of narcotic found in the coastal area of Sumenep Regency, Madura, as an effort to prevent the misuse of evidence items.

“These items have an enticing value. So it’s better to destroy them immediately to prevent misuse,” said East Java Police Chief Inspector General of Police Nanang Avianto in Surabaya on Monday.

Nanang explained that the cocaine was initially found weighing around 27 kilograms, mixed with sand and sea debris. After cleaning, the net weight became 22.22 kilograms.

He stated that this discovery is a serious concern because drug circulation in East Java has so far been dominated by methamphetamine, marijuana, and ecstasy.

“This indicates the presence of an unusual type of narcotic circulating in this region. This type is very expensive and this is the first time we have found it,” he said.

“Coastal areas with sparse supervision are vulnerable to being used as smuggling routes. This is a special concern for us,” he added.

Throughout 2023, the East Java Regional Police recorded the uncovering of drug cases with evidence amounting to 72.77 kilograms of methamphetamine, 37.9 kilograms of marijuana, 53 marijuana plants, and 22.22 kilograms of cocaine.

“We are analysing the network based on data from Colombian cocaine. This indicates the existence of an international dark trade route entering Indonesian waters,” he said.

Nanang also urged the public, especially in coastal areas, to immediately report to authorities if they find suspicious objects suspected to be related to narcotics.

“If you find something suspicious, report it immediately to the nearest authorities so it can be followed up promptly,” he said.