Ahmad Faiz Ibnu Sani, Jakarta – Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) Commissioner General Budi Waseso revealed that the agency shot dead 79 drug dealers in 2017, they were suspects who resisted arrest.

"Our firm actions are evidence of our seriousness as law enforcers," said Budi Waseso during a press conference at the BNN Headquarters on Wednesday, December 27.

Despite a large number of deaths, Budi explained that authorities only shoot in defense against suspects who endanger police personnel. Budi went as far to say that there were unfortunately only 79 suspects who died from the thousands of drug dealers that were caught.

"We actually have ample ammunition. But they were lucky. I personally hope that [drug dealers] resist so that we can actually use our ammunition [on them]," said Budi.

Other than neutralizing 79 drug dealers, throughout 2017, BNN also revealed more than 46,000 drug-related cases and 27 drug money laundering cases. The number of suspects reached 58,000 people.

The agency also confiscated 4.71 tons of crystal meth, 151 tons of marijuana, and 2.9 thousand ecstasy pills.

Budi Waseso, who's the former Chief of the Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) said that the attempts to eradicate drugs from the country is hampered by the lack of seriousness of instances that are supposed to be responsible for handling drug-related matters outside of the BNN.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/12/27/055914394/BNN-Shot-Dead-79-Drug-Dealers-in-2017