Mephedrone Lab: Russian Drug Syndicate Network Uncovered by the Indonesian National Narcotics Agency in Gianyar, Bali
The Indonesian National Narcotics Agency (BNN RI) has dismantled a laboratory producing mephedrone controlled by a Russian network operating in The Lavana De’Bale Marcapada, Pering, Blahbatuh District, Gianyar Regency, Bali.
BNN RI Chief Police Commissioner Suyudi Ario Seto, during a press conference in Gianyar, Bali, said the success of this operation stems from a joint operation between BNN RI, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, and the Directorate General of Immigration, in collaboration with Bali Police.
‘This success is the result of an intensive joint operation between BNN RI, the Directorate General of Customs and the Directorate General of Immigration since January 2026, which led to the uncovering of a clandestine lab operating in Gianyar, Bali, and the arrest of two suspected Russian nationals,’ he said, on Saturday, 7 March 2026.
In the case, two foreign nationals from Russia were arrested, identified as NT (female) alias KS and ST (male). They are strongly suspected of actively participating in the production and distribution of mephedrone, a dangerous party drug.
Acting Deputy for Eradication at BNN RI Brigadier General Roy Hardi Siahaan explained that Schedule I narcotics such as mephedrone have actually been uncovered several times in Indonesia by law enforcement. However, for BNN, the discovery of a mephedrone laboratory of this magnitude is the first. ‘When you look at the amount, this is the largest, at 7.3 kilograms net,’ he said.
In this case, officers arrested two Russian suspects initials N and ST. They had been in Indonesia since January 2026. Roy disclosed that while in Bali the suspects produced mephedrone independently at a site used as a laboratory. Production activities occurred at night, around midnight to 04:00 WITA.
The authorities finally uncovered the operation on Thursday (5 March), around 23:45 WITA, after monitoring and tailing the suspects since January 2026. The arrests were carried out after the narcotics had been produced, thereby preventing its distribution.
Evidence found included mephedrone in liquid form and crystalline powder ready for distribution. In addition, officers seized various chemicals and precursors used in manufacturing the narcotics.