(11/27/2010)
Reports from a variety of sources concerning the easy availability of narcotics at Bali's Kerobokan prison and numerous past arrests of prisoners and officials of the prison on drug offences have prompted the Bali police and prison officials to draft a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at reducing the illegal drug trade at the island's largest penitentiary.
Beritabali.com reports that the head of the crime division of the Badung regency police precinct, Soma Adnyana, has confirmed that the draft MOU is on the desk of the chief legal officer of the provincial police force awaiting his signature.
According to Soma, the compilation of the MOU on combating narcotics at the Kerobokan prison is the result of discussions between the police and the Directorate General of Law and Human Rights. He also admitted that the agreement may have been motivated by recent books and reports in the press suggesting the prison was an active center for illegal drug trading.
Soma said the draft MOU is comprised of 7 chapters and 12 clauses detailing cooperation between prison authorities and the police. The third chapter of the MOU outlines how police can conduct raids within the prison. Chapter 6 addresses the responsibility of the Badung police precinct in ensuring safety and security at the prison. Meanwhile, another section of the document opens the way for police to investigate prisoners and prison officials suspected of involvement in the narcotics trade.
The MOU, when signed and formalized, will allow police to conduct raids within the prison.
Soma said the agreement will prove beneficial in efforts to control drug dealing at the prison. "Sometimes we have faced difficulties breaking up drug syndicates in the prison because of our limited access to the facility," explained Soma.
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