Entire Neigbhorhood Gets High After Police Burn 3 Tons of Weed

An entire neighborhood in West Jakarta became high when Indonesian police officials unwittingly set fire to 3 tonnes of marijuana in their backyard.

A large cache of cannabis coming into the province was intercepted by the officials last week and in keeping with the country's strict policy on drug enforcement, they decided to burn the entire stock in a public burning.

Along with the cannabis, the officials also recovered crystal meth and thousands of ecstasy pills from the airports custom department.

The decision to destroy 3 tonnes of marijuana in the form of a bonfire proved to be reckless in hindsight, as nearby residents started inhaling the strong fumes.

The fumes quickly drifted into homes when many locals and reporters present at the scene started complaining of dizziness and headaches.

While the entire area was engulfed in smoke, the police were however better prepared and wore masks during the entire operation.

"I got a headache because I wasn't wearing a mask," said one resident.

Another local had to sit down after complaining of dizziness, when the effects of inhaling marijuana fumes began to take hold.

Following the incident, a spokesperson from the country's National Narcotics Agency insisted that the inhalation of marijuana fumes would not lead to any long term health effects.

Indonesia has very tough drug enforcement laws and those found guilty of trafficking could even be given the death penalty.