DILI, 26 june 2021 (TATOLI) – Criminal and Investigative Police (PCIC) called on all Timorese entities to work together in fighting against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Timor-Leste.
Chief of the Central Department of Criminal Investigation, Francisco Soares made the comments, today, to celebrate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, in Colmera, Dili.
Soares said up to 10 cases of drug-related crime had been investigated by the PCIC.
“So far, due to PCIC’s investigation, police have seized amphetamine, a drug known in the Indonesian language as Sabu-Sabu. We also arrested the community member in Viqueque for growing cannabis,” said Soares.
He said collaboration between Timorese National Police (PNTL), Border Patrol Unit (UPF), Immigration Service of Timor-Leste, and the communities themselves was important to prevent Timor-Leste from becoming a transit spot for illegal drug trafficking,
“Drug trafficking is an organized crime, thus if communities notice suspicious activities in relation to drug use and drug trafficking, they need to immediately report to relevant authorities and PCIC,” Soares said.
He said illegal drugs could be smuggled via land border, port and airport: “PCIC would work hard to cooperate with other entities to combat illegal drug use and drug trafficking in Timor-Leste.”
Last year, PNTL destroyed 160 tons of basic illicit materials, the largest of all seized illicit materials in all countries in the Southeast Asia region.
The destruction of the 160 tonnes of drugs as a form to show other countries that despite Timor-Leste’s fewer human resources and materials, it has an ongoing commitment to combat illegal drug trafficking and rescue the state and society from becoming victims to drugs and prevent the nation from becoming a transit place for drug trafficking.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Rafy Belo
