DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - The Deli Serdang Regency Government has reaffirmed its support for joint efforts to tackle drug abuse and the illegal drug trade. The commitment was highlighted during a press conference led by National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto, followed by a virtual declaration entitled "North Sumatra Police and Public Unite Against Drugs" at Deli Serdang Police Headquarters on Friday, 23 October 2026.
Zainal Abidin Hutagalung, Assistant for Government Affairs and Public Welfare at the
Deli Serdang Regency Government, attended the event as a representative of the regent. He said the local administration was ready to strengthen cooperation with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and all sections of society to create a safe, healthy and drug-free environment.
The commitment reaffirmed at the event highlighted the need for broad public involvement in tackling drugs. Law enforcement must go hand in hand with prevention, education and community participation to protect the public, particularly younger generations, over the long term.
Cooperation Key to Tackling Drugs
During the press conference, Suyudi praised cooperation between the North Sumatra Regional Police, local governments, the armed forces, the National Narcotics Agency, religious leaders, civil society representatives, youth representatives and other community groups supporting anti-drugs initiatives.
"Efforts to tackle drugs must be comprehensive, combining law enforcement, prevention, education and cooperation among all relevant stakeholders," he said.
His remarks underlined that tackling drugs cannot rely on law enforcement alone. Government bodies and security agencies must also strengthen prevention, raise public awareness of the dangers of drugs and encourage communities to take responsibility for safety in their neighbourhoods.
Cross-sector cooperation is particularly important because drug trafficking networks can operate across regional borders. Coordination between agencies, alongside public support, can strengthen prevention efforts and restrict opportunities for the illegal drug trade.
POLICE CHIEF HIGHLIGHTS COOPERATION IN TACKLING DRUGS: Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto stresses the importance of law enforcement, prevention, education and cooperation among relevant stakeholders in efforts to tackle drugs. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
New Drug Abuse Methods Raise Concerns
Suyudi also highlighted emerging methods of drug abuse, including the use of liquids in electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vapes. The development has raised concerns about the need for prevention measures to keep pace with changing methods of misusing and distributing prohibited substances.
The situation calls for greater vigilance from all parties, including law enforcement agencies, families, schools and local communities. Targeted education can help people understand the risks of drug abuse and discourage young people from engaging in behaviour that could jeopardise their health and future.
Coordination between agencies is also essential to respond to new methods of drug trafficking. Members of the public can contribute by remaining alert to activities in their surroundings and reporting suspicious incidents to the relevant authorities through appropriate channels.
JOINT OPERATION INTERCEPTS 800KG KETAMINE SHIPMENT: A joint operation involving the armed forces, the National Police, customs officials, the National Narcotics Agency and other relevant institutions intercepts an attempted shipment of approximately 800 kilogrammes of ketamine aboard the Mongolian-flagged tanker MT Global 1168 in waters off Asahan, North Sumatra. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Joint Operation Intercepts 800kg Ketamine Shipment
Suyudi also reported the results of a joint operation involving the armed forces, the National Police, customs officials, the National Narcotics Agency and other relevant institutions. The operation intercepted an attempted shipment of approximately 800 kilogrammes of ketamine aboard the Mongolian-flagged tanker MT Global 1168 in waters off Asahan, North Sumatra.
The case highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in monitoring maritime routes and tackling suspected smuggling of prohibited substances. By bringing together several institutions, authorities can coordinate surveillance and enforcement measures within their respective areas of responsibility.
For Deli Serdang, the joint commitment provides a foundation for expanding cooperation with security agencies and relevant institutions. The regency government aims to work alongside local communities to promote a safer and healthier environment.
The event at
Deli Serdang Police Headquarters concluded with the declaration, "North Sumatra Police and Public Unite Against Drugs", reaffirming a shared commitment to protecting the public, particularly young people, from the dangers of drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala