Eyewitness – BADUNG
The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have agreed to extend their strategic partnership to combat transnational narcotics threats. The commitment was formalized through the signing of an extended Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in countering the illicit trafficking of narcotics, psychotropic substances, and precursors. BNN Chief Suyudi Ario Seto and AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett signed the agreement in Bali on Tuesday (22/9).
Under Paragraph 11 of the agreement, both agencies agreed to extend their cooperation for an additional five years from the expiration of the current MoU, stretching through November 25, 2031. The extension establishes a framework for BNN and the AFP to sustain and intensify collaborative efforts against illicit drug networks.
Law enforcement officials noted that increasingly complex drug threats require an adaptive, coordinated response. Evolving operational methods, technological exploitation, and multi-route smuggling by organized crime syndicates demand closer inter-agency cooperation.
​During his address, the BNN Chief highlighted emerging criminal tactics, specifically the exploitation of electronic cigarettes (vapes) to deliver illicit substances.
BNN expressed particular concern over findings indicating that cannabis buds are being processed into liquid THC extracts to fill vape cartridges. This tactic demonstrates how narcotics syndicates continue to adapt by leveraging products closely tied to urban lifestyles.
​BNN emphasized the need to preempt these developments by tightening regulation and oversight of vape products to prevent them from being used as conduits for drug abuse and distribution.
​To bolster regulatory policies, BNN aims to study law enforcement practices and regulatory frameworks established in other jurisdictions, including Australia. Information sharing and best practice exchanges with Australia are expected to support Indonesia in countering the potential misuse of e-cigarettes as a novel narcotics delivery method.
Under the renewed framework, BNN and the AFP will continue to enhance intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and joint capacity-building initiatives. The collaboration aims to strengthen both nations’ ability to dismantle transnational illicit trafficking networks.
Law enforcement officials noted that increasingly complex drug threats require an adaptive, coordinated response. Evolving operational methods, technological exploitation, and multi-route smuggling by organized crime syndicates demand closer inter-agency cooperation.
​During his address, the BNN Chief highlighted emerging criminal tactics, specifically the exploitation of electronic cigarettes (vapes) to deliver illicit substances.
BNN expressed particular concern over findings indicating that cannabis buds are being processed into liquid THC extracts to fill vape cartridges. This tactic demonstrates how narcotics syndicates continue to adapt by leveraging products closely tied to urban lifestyles.
​BNN emphasized the need to preempt these developments by tightening regulation and oversight of vape products to prevent them from being used as conduits for drug abuse and distribution.
To bolster regulatory policies, BNN aims to study law enforcement practices and regulatory frameworks established in other jurisdictions, including Australia. Information sharing and best practice exchanges with Australia are expected to support Indonesia in countering the potential misuse of e-cigarettes as a novel narcotics delivery method.
​Under the renewed framework, BNN and the AFP will continue to enhance intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and joint capacity-building initiatives. The collaboration aims to strengthen both nations’ ability to dismantle transnational illicit trafficking networks.
BNN reaffirmed its commitment to expanding international partnerships to protect the public from narcotics threats, ensuring a responsive and sustainable approach to cross-border enforcement. The agency called on government bodies, law enforcement, international partners, and the public to maintain vigilance and contribute to the anti-narcotics fight, furthering the vision of a drug-free Indonesia (Indonesia BERSINAR).
Reporter : Daniel Herry
