Drug trafficking in Timor-Leste not a major problem but prevention measures are needed before it becomes a problem

Even though drug trafficking into Timor-Leste is still comparatively low the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) urges the community to work with the police to prevent it from escalating.

“I urge all the community to participate. If you know someone is smuggling drugs into the country to inform the police. The police cannot act alone. It will be difficult to successfully fight it,” said the Second Commander PNTL Commissioner Afonso de Jesus, last week (07/05) from his office in Caicoli, Dili.

He added the police already apprehended some drugs traffickers and that some are already in jail while others are still going through the judicial process for minor offences.

“We apprehended some who have already been trialled. Some are already doing time in jails. We already have it [drugs] circulating in the country but quantities are still limited,” said Commissioner de Jesus.

Member of Parliament (MP), Commission B, Jose Teixeira urged the police to pay closer attention on the issue around border areas.

“Security must be tighter. Most importantly our police must apply the law on drugs. The law must be enforced properly,” said MP Teixeira.

He also urged the police to conduct more thorough checks to good entering the country.