Joint Task Force Thwarts Smuggling of 7.8kg of Narcotics from Russian Network

A joint task force comprising the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services, Customs, and the Bali Regional Police has successfully uncovered a hashish smuggling network involving Russian nationals in Dusun Kayang, Bangli, Bali.

“We have secured narcotics evidence in the form of hashish weighing 7.8 kilograms, as well as non-narcotic evidence including passports, mobile phones, and one four-wheeled vehicle,” stated the Head of the Indonesian National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Commissioner General of Police Suyudi Ario Seto, in a statement received in Denpasar on Sunday.

The arrest took place on Friday (5/6) at approximately 08:00 WIB. The operation began following information from Customs at Soekarno-Hatta Airport regarding a suitcase containing cannabis from Thailand carried by a passenger identified by the initials KK (52), a Russian national, who was suspected of intending to transport the drugs to Bali.

After landing at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, KK reportedly continued his journey via a rental car to Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi, before crossing to Bali at 01:30 WIB. Upon arriving at Gilimanuk Port, Jembrana, Bali, at approximately 03:00 WITA, KK was met by SK (40), also a Russian national. The pair then proceeded towards Bangli, Bali.

Officers subsequently pursued SK, who attempted to flee after dropping off KK and the suitcase containing the narcotics. During the pursuit, SK drove the vehicle at high speed and recklessly, colliding with several local residents. Ultimately, officers managed to intercept SK’s vehicle and apprehend him in Dusun Kayang, Bangli.

The BNN is currently coordinating with Customs, the Bali Regional Police, and Immigration authorities to further investigate the case and identify any other Russian suspects potentially remaining in Bali.