Indonesia military seizes 5,000 cannabis plants in Highland Papua raid

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian military forces seized 5,000 cannabis plants from two illicit farms in the Highland Papua province, army officials announced Thursday, amid an ongoing crackdown on narcotics distribution in the remote region.

The operation, conducted on Monday, July 13, targeted farms located in the Kima and Air Garam villages within Yahukimo District.

The cannabis fields were uncovered by the Habema military task force during a mobile border patrol following a tip-off regarding illegal cultivation in the area.

After conducting surveillance to secure the territory, troops moved in to raid the plantations, recovering thousands of plants alongside traditional weapons.

"At the Kima village complex, personnel found approximately 3,000 cannabis plants," Habema task force spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel M. Wirya Arthadiguna said in a written statement.

"Meanwhile, at Air Garam village, around 2,000 cannabis plants were discovered, along with one bow and 26 arrows near the site."

Military authorities have launched an investigation alongside local police to identify the individuals responsible for cultivating the fields.

The military emphasized that the raid is part of a broader inter-agency strategy to combat drug trafficking and protect local communities in Papua.

"Together with relevant agencies, we will continue to synergize to prevent the distribution of narcotics so that Papua's next generation can grow up healthy, safe, and build their homeland," Arthadiguna added.

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Translator: Walda Marison, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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