Indonesia has become a target for international drug dealers who have shifted their attention from the Philippines after the country began meting out harsh punishments to suspected drug dealers under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has said.

President Duterte is known for his controversial drug war policies that have resulted in the deaths of thousands.

“The firm actions in the Philippines have caused drug dealers to look for a new market and Indonesia is that new market,” BNN drug control head Insp. Gen. Arman Depari said in a press conference at the headquarters of the Jakarta Police on Thursday.

Drugs found in Indonesia do not only come from the “golden triangle”, but also from countries along the Mekong River in mainland Southeast Asia, he said.

While drug dealers used to distribute natural psychotropics, they are now distributing active psychotropics, Arman added.

Previously, BNN head Comr. Gen. Budi Waseso said 250 tons of crystal methamphetamine from China entered the archipelago in 2016.

Last week, four Taiwanese citizens attempted to smuggle one ton of meth from China to Greater Jakarta through Banten. The effort was foiled by the police.

National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said the police would get tough on foreign drug smugglers and would not hesitate to shoot smugglers who resisted arrest. (hol/cal)