Indonesiantalk.com — BNN RI – OFAST France Ready to Explore Cooperation in Combating Drug Crime
France becomes the latest country visited by the Head of the Indonesian National Narcotics Board (BNN RI) during his trip to Europe.
In the country renowned for the Eiffel Tower, the Head of BNN RI, Prof. Dr. Petrus Reinhard Golose, accompanied by the Indonesian Ambassador to France, Andora, and Monaco, H.E. Mohammad Oemar; one of the Expert Group Members of BNN RI in the field of International Cooperation, Ambassador Harry James Kandou; Director of BNN’s Drug Rehabilitation and Community Empowerment Center (PLRKM), Dr. Amrita Devi, SpKJ, M.D.; Director of Intelligence at BNN, Police Brigadier General Ruddi Setiawan, S.H., S.I.K., M.H., along with other Indonesian BNN delegates, held a meeting with the Deputy Head of Anti-Narcotics, Office anti-stupéfiants (OFAST), Christian de Rocquigny du Fayel, on Monday, August 28, 2023.
During the meeting, the Deputy Head of Anti-Narcotics conveyed that France’s drug policy underwent significant reform in 2020.
One of the outcomes of these changes is the establishment of the Office anti-stupéfiants (OFAST) under the leadership of the Ministry of the Interior, which acts as the forefront in the fight against narcotics. OFAST was formed as a coordinator for actions taken to combat narcotics, including coordinating efforts among the Police, Customs, and Gendarmerie.
“OFAST has 24 branches spread across France and other parts of Europe, with operational roles in investigation, intelligence, and strategy through cooperation, including enhancing international cooperation,” stated Christian de Rocquigny du Fayel.
Regarding the issue of narcotics in France, the Deputy Head of Anti-Narcotics mentioned that there has been an increase in the threat of drug-related crimes over the past three years.
This is evidenced by the growing influx of cocaine into France through various routes, including South America and intercontinental European countries.
The rising narcotics threat in France is also evident in the 1:10:100 ratio increase for heroin: cocaine: marijuana, as well as the presence of international criminal organizations.
Observing this situation, France, currently engaged in a battle against drug crime and opposing the legalization of marijuana, supports cooperation, recognizing the boundless operational space of criminal organizations.
The Head of BNN RI welcomed the Deputy Head of Anti-Narcotics’ support for cooperation.
Through this meeting, Prof. Dr. Petrus Reinhard Golose expressed hopes that Indonesia, particularly BNN, can foster cooperation such as information exchange, training for BNN’s K-9 unit, and sharing best practices alongside BNN’s Drug Laboratory.
