TNI Commander General Gatot Nurmantyo said the threat of drugs is as dangerous as the threat of terrorism. But the handling of both is still not balanced.
"It is unfortunate that terrorism is more exaggerated, whereas drugs are no less dangerous because it has been everywhere," said Gatot at Hotel Aryaduta, Jakarta, Friday night, July 14, 2017.
The former Chief of Staff of the Army said at least 15 thousand Indonesians die from drugs every year.
"While the bomb victims from the past until now not until 1500 people," said Gatot.
The spread of drugs in the country, Gatot continued, is very massive. Illegal drugs have even been circulating in plantation areas and outermost regions of Indonesia.
"From China entering Indonesia according to the information that 250 tons of shabu, one ton of shabu can be consumed for five million people.This is a serious threat for us," he said.
TNI, Gatot said, has given strict sanctions to its members who consume or engage in drug networks. "Direct fired. Just imagine, if you're shooting and shooting anyone can be a victim, "Gatot continued.
On the occasion Gagot also appreciated the performance of the National Police and Narcotics Agency (BNN) which thwarted the smuggling of a ton of shabu in Serang, Banten, on Thursday.
"I appreciate the Police and BNN, the disclosure of the largest number of shabuas as long as Indonesia stands," he said.