Indonesia: Drug Disposal Operation Leaves Residents Dizzy
An unusual incident in West Jakarta drew attention after police burned around 3.3 tonnes of confiscated cannabis during a public destruction ceremony in March 2015. The operation, carried out by Palmerah police, was intended to destroy the seized contraband. However, strong winds carried the thick smoke from the burning pile into nearby residential areas.
Several residents and journalists reportedly experienced headaches, dizziness and other effects after being exposed to the smoke. Police officers conducting the disposal wore protective masks, while people nearby were reportedly not given similar protection or advance warning.
The incident quickly became an international talking point, raising questions about the safety of open-air disposal methods for large quantities of seized narcotics. Authorities also destroyed other seized substances separately during the operation.
