Friday, 23 October 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The North Sumatra branch of the Barisan Intelektual Muda (BIM), a youth organisation, has called on the North Sumatra Regional Police to conduct a thorough investigation into alleged illegal drug trafficking in Aek Kanopan Timur, Labuhanbatu Utara Regency. Particular attention should be given to the area around Lorong 6 alley. The organisation has also demanded a review of how the case has been handled by the police officers concerned to ensure that reports from the public are dealt with professionally, transparently and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
BIM North Sumatra made these demands during a demonstration outside the North Sumatra Regional Police headquarters on Thursday, 15 October 2026. Through the protest, the organisation sought to fulfil its role as a public watchdog while urging law enforcement agencies to demonstrate their commitment to combating drugs through concrete and accountable action.Ginda Hasibuan, chairman of BIM North Sumatra, stressed that information and complaints from the public concerning alleged drug trafficking in Aek Kanopan Timur must be taken seriously. The organisation believes the authorities should examine all reports objectively so that the public can obtain clarity about the measures already taken and the progress of the case.
BIM North Sumatra has specifically urged the police to verify information concerning the so-called Operation Saber Bersinar, conducted on 13 May 2026. The organisation has also referred to allegations contained in a complaint that an individual connected with the suspected drug trafficking was on a wanted list.
However, BIM North Sumatra has emphasised that this information must be verified through evidence, field investigations and the applicable legal procedures. The mention of an individual in a complaint does not automatically establish their involvement in a criminal offence. The police must therefore ensure that all investigative measures are based on verifiable evidence that can lawfully be used in legal proceedings.In the organisation's view, reports of suspected drug trafficking require particular care and consistency in their handling. Investigators should gather information from various relevant sources, examine available evidence and ensure that law enforcement action remains within their statutory powers and complies with applicable legislation.
BIM North Sumatra issued a statement highlighting the importance of concrete action to combat drug-related crime."The fight against drugs must not remain merely a slogan. We call on the authorities to act professionally, follow up reports from the public, and provide clarity and legal certainty," BIM North Sumatra said in its statement.
The organisation thereby underlined its expectation that the authorities should do more than express their determination to combat drugs: they should also demonstrate concrete results in handling the information and complaints they have received. At the same time, BIM North Sumatra has urged the police to provide transparent updates in accordance with applicable regulations, without compromising ongoing investigations or the rights of the individuals concerned.
In addition to calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged drug trafficking, BIM North Sumatra has urged the North Sumatra Regional Police Chief to review how the case has been handled by the Labuhanbatu Police Chief and the head of the local narcotics investigation unit.
According to the organisation, such a review is necessary to ensure that the officers concerned perform their duties professionally, respond appropriately to complaints from the public and consistently apply the relevant legal procedures. BIM North Sumatra has nevertheless stressed that any review must be based on facts and evidence, rather than speculation or one-sided assessments.The organisation has also called on the professional ethics and internal security division of the North Sumatra Regional Police to launch an inquiry if preliminary evidence points to possible misconduct or unprofessional behaviour by police officers in the course of their duties.
In BIM North Sumatra's view, any internal investigation must be conducted objectively and in accordance with established procedures. If violations are identified, the relevant authorities must take action in line with the law. At the same time, the police officers concerned must be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations as part of a fair review process.Through these measures, BIM North Sumatra hopes the police will be able to address public questions about how reports of alleged drug trafficking in Aek Kanopan Timur have been handled. A clear and traceable process is important to prevent circulating information from fuelling speculation or leading to premature conclusions.
The second demand calls on the North Sumatra Regional Police Chief to review the handling of the case by the Labuhanbatu Police Chief and the head of the local narcotics investigation unit. BIM North Sumatra expects the review to establish whether the officers concerned have fulfilled their responsibilities in accordance with applicable procedures and followed up all relevant information.
The third demand concerns the verification of information about an individual reportedly on a wanted list and alleged drug trafficking networks mentioned in complaints from the public. The organisation insists that the police must establish the accuracy of these claims through evidence and investigative findings rather than present them as proven facts before legal proceedings have been completed.The fourth demand calls for an investigation into police officers if credible evidence emerges of possible violations or unprofessional conduct in handling the case. Under its fifth demand, BIM North Sumatra wants anyone found to have violated the law to be held accountable in accordance with the applicable legal provisions.
BIM North Sumatra has stressed that all five demands must be addressed through the established legal procedures. The organisation has also announced that it will continue monitoring the case through constitutional and lawful channels until the authorities' responses and actions become clear.For BIM North Sumatra, combating drugs is closely linked to public safety, the protection of families and the future of younger generations. The organisation believes drug trafficking and drug abuse can cause far-reaching social problems. Cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public, alongside the involvement of other relevant institutions, is therefore essential.
Despite its firm demands, BIM North Sumatra has emphasised that it does not intend to condemn any particular individual before the authorities have completed their review and the allegations have been established through lawful evidential procedures. The organisation has called on all parties to respect the presumption of innocence and allow law enforcement agencies the necessary scope to carry out their duties objectively.BIM North Sumatra also maintains that the success of anti-drug efforts should not be measured solely by the number of operations conducted or enforcement actions taken. More important indicators include the consistent follow-up of public reports, the ability to resolve cases on the basis of credible evidence, and the uniform application of the law when addressing suspected offences.
Attention is now turning to the next steps the relevant authorities will take in response to the demands presented during the demonstration. BIM North Sumatra hopes the North Sumatra Regional Police will issue a clear response and ensure that all measures are carried out professionally, transparently and in a manner that can be independently understood and assessed.The organisation reiterated that it would continue monitoring the case through lawful channels to promote consistent law enforcement and protect the public from the dangers of drugs.
A thorough investigation into the alleged drug trafficking, an evidence-based review of the handling of the case, and consistent enforcement of the law are essential to protecting younger generations. (IDNC)REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
