Indonesian Officials Gather To Watch 500kg Of Marijuana Being Burned In Banda Aceh

A crowd including high-level officials gathered to watch the burning of half a ton of marijuana in the courtyard of Banda Aceh City Hall last Monday.

The suspected drug smugglers were paraded in front of the media as members of Indonesia’s anti-narcotics agency burned approximately 515kg of confiscated marijuana at a public ceremony.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

DPA news agency reported that hundreds of onlookers witnessed the destruction of the contraband, which was seized from a local drug ring a month ago.

“City authorities also launched a drug-free movement during the event,’’ according to Banda Aceh Police Chief, Trisno Riyanto

Trisno also added that the event took place in an open-air environment so people will not inhale the smoke.

Aceh is known as the main source of cannabis in Indonesia, which imposes harsh penalties, including death, for drug offences. According to the Misuse of Drugs Act, the import, export or trafficking of more than 500g may result in the death penalty.