Threat of Illicit Narcotics Trafficking in the Northern Coastal Region of West Java

Abstract

This study aims to identify and analyze the threats of illicit narcotics trafficking in the northern coastal region of West Java using a qualitative approach and descriptive analysis. Data was collected through interviews with law enforcement officers, coastal fishing community leaders, and direct observations in areas suspected to be high-risk zones for narcotics trafficking. The findings indicate that illicit narcotics trafficking in the northern coastal region of West Java has evolved with increasingly sophisticated modus operandi, utilizing social media and a disconnected cell system in narcotics transactions. This region is not merely a transit route but has also become an integral part of the narcotics distribution network. Furthermore, the study highlights that the involvement of certain fishermen in narcotics abuse, along with the ease of utilizing their services, has further increased the risk of narcotics smuggling in this area. Considering the identified threat factors, this study assigns a threat level score of eight, indicating that the likelihood of illicit narcotics trafficking in the northern coastal region of West Java falls into the category of "likely to occur