The Effectiveness of Law Enforcement Against Corporations in Narcotics Distribution Offenses by the Narcotics Investigation Directorate of the North Sumatra Regional Police

Abstract

The increasing involvement of corporations in narcotics trafficking indicates a shift from individual criminal acts toward organized and structured criminal networks, posing significant challenges to law enforcement in Indonesia. Although the legal framework, particularly Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, has recognized corporations as subjects of criminal liability, its implementation in practice remains suboptimal. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of law enforcement against corporations in narcotics offenses handled by the Narcotics Investigation Directorate of the North Sumatra Regional Police (Ditresnarkoba Polda Sumut), and to identify the factors affecting such effectiveness. This study employs a normative juridical approach supported by a conceptual approach through statutory and conceptual frameworks. The legal materials consist of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources analyzed qualitatively through legal interpretation and deductive reasoning. The findings indicate that law enforcement against corporations has not been optimally implemented, as enforcement practices continue to focus predominantly on individual perpetrators rather than corporate entities. Key obstacles include difficulties in proving corporate culpability, limited institutional capacity, weak inter-agency coordination, and the complexity of organized narcotics networks. Consequently, the deterrent effect of corporate criminal liability remains relatively low. This study recommends strengthening the technical capacity of law enforcement officers, formulating clear operational guidelines, and developing an integrated law enforcement strategy through the follow the money dan multi-door approach. These measures are essential to achieving more effective, consistent, and sustainable law enforcement.