TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) uncovered the practice of drug trafficking involving international networks in Bali. According to the BNN, the network is run by Russian citizens who have established a drug business ecosystem on the Island of the Gods.
BNN Chief Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto said the network produces and distributes narcotics for fellow Russian citizens. "The manufacturers and distributors are Russian, and so are the consumers," Suyudi said on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
According to Suyudi, the group produces and consumes synthetic drugs of the mephedrone type. "This is a mixture of cocaine and MDMA or ecstasy," Suyudi said in his speech.
BNN revealed the existence of the network after dismantling an illegal laboratory or clandestine lab in Gianyar, Bali. In the raid, officers seized 7.8 kilograms of mephedrone and arrested a Russian citizen.
Suyudi said the BNN is now coordinating with law enforcement authorities in Russia to dismantle the network back to its home country. "We continue to unearth and expose the international network that we are pursuing in Russia," he said.
BNN Deputy for Narcotics Eradication Inspector General Aswin Sipayung said they have also recently uncovered another drug network in Bali. In the operation, the BNN arrested three Russian citizens who acted as couriers and controllers of the network.
According to Aswin, the three Russian citizens were arrested while attempting to smuggle hashish to Thailand using Thai Airways. Authorities seized three kilograms of hashish as evidence.
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Retired TNI General Djamari Chaniago said drug eradication is one of the government's priorities. Therefore, the government views every drug abuse prevention program as an investment in the nation's future.
According to Djamari, Indonesia's aspiration to achieve the Golden Generation 2045 can only be realized if the younger generation is free from drug abuse. "If the young generation is destroyed by drugs, what will happen is that Anxiety Indonesia," said Djamari.
Read: Indonesian Police Arrest 9 Suspects in Killing of Three Anti-Drug Officers
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