Police arrest a drunk American for carrying four knives in Kuta

An American citizen identified by initials MJ was arrested by police after causing a disturbance while carrying four sharp weapons (sajam) of the knife type in Gang Ronta, Popies II Street, Kuta, Badung on Wednesday night (4 March 2026). MJ acted in a drunken state.

The incident occurred at about 23:52 WITA when the Duty Officer (Pawas) of the Kuta Police Station received a report about a foreign national (WNA) causing a disturbance and carrying sharp weapons.

Pawas, together with the Tim Unit Kecil Lengkap (UKL) of the Kuta Police Station, then went to the location and found a male foreign national sitting at the scene.

“It was observed that several sharp weapons were tucked at his waist, with two blades tucked at the front of the abdomen and one blade tucked at the back lower down,” said the Head of Public Relations of Denpasar City Police, Iptu I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya, on Thursday (5 March 2026).

Upon seeing this, officers from Kuta Police Station engaged in a persuasive approach and dialogue to obtain MJ’s surrender of the weapons he carried.

“The person then agreed to place two blades located at the front of his abdomen on the table where he was sitting,” he continued.

As the suspect stood up, officers diverted attention and operational personnel promptly secured one blade tucked at the back lower down.

The suspect was then secured by officers with the help of local residents, and his hands were handcuffed.

After a body search, officers found another blade in the suspect’s right pocket along with some cash.

MJ and the four weapons he carried were then taken to the Kuta Police Station Mako for further legal proceedings. The four sharp weapons were kitchen knives.

Adi revealed that MJ caused the disturbance, presumably under the influence of alcohol. “At the time of detainment the suspect was still under the influence of alcohol and could not be questioned,” he said.