Jakarta, Feb. 18 -- Chief of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) Marthinus Hukom has stressed that the drug problem is more than just a legal issue as it also affects the society and the economy.

During a meeting with Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Maman Abdurrahman here on Monday, he revealed that the illegal drug trade is estimated to generate up to Rp500 trillion, or around USD30.6 billion, every year.

"The drug problem is getting more complex, affecting not only health and safety but also the community's economy," Hukom said, according to a statement released here on Tuesday.

He explained that drug lords often exploit people's financial situation, for example, they convince fish farmers to become drug cour...