PPPK Employee in Tabanan Arrested for Distributing Methamphetamine

The Narcotics Unit of the Tabanan Police has arrested a 32-year-old man, I Gede Budi Berata Yasa, on suspicion of distributing methamphetamine. During the arrest, police seized 20 clear crystal packages suspected to be methamphetamine with a gross weight of 296.54 grams, or a net weight of 280.92 grams.

Head of the Tabanan Police Narcotics Unit, AKP I Ketut Ananta, stated that the arrest was made in the suspect’s room in Banjar Jadi Babakan, Banjar Anyar Village, Kediri District, Tabanan, on Sunday, 19 July 2026, at around 9:30 PM local time. The suspect is a part-time Government Employee with a Work Agreement (PPPK) at an agency within the Tabanan Regency Government.

The case began with a tip-off from the public indicating that a man known as ‘Kipli’ was allegedly involved in drug trafficking and abuse. Following up on the report, AKP Ketut Ananta ordered an operations team led by AIPTU I Gst. Ketut Alit Wirawan to conduct an investigation.

‘The investigation led to the suspect, IGBBY, who is known to have tattoos on both arms and resides in Banjar Jadi Babakan, Banjar Anyar Village,’ he said.

Police then conducted surveillance around Budi Berata Yasa’s residence before securing him inside his room. Prior to the search, officers presented two community witnesses, namely the local neighbourhood head and a traditional security officer (pecalang).

‘From the search, police found a number of suspected methamphetamine packages stored in various places in the room, including a bag, a storage box, and on a table,’ he explained.

In addition to the 20 packages of suspected methamphetamine, police also seized digital scales, a methamphetamine smoking device (bong), empty plastic clips, 133 Microtube PCR tubes suspected to be used for packaging, an Oppo A60 mobile phone, and a Honda Astrea Prima motorcycle along with its registration document.

‘In the initial examination, the suspect admitted that all the narcotics evidence belonged to him. We also suspect the suspect possessed, stored, and controlled the methamphetamine for distribution,’ he asserted.

The Tabanan Police Narcotics Unit is currently conducting further investigations to uncover possible drug networks connected to the suspect. The evidence will also be examined at the Forensic Laboratory to confirm its content.

‘Based on initial statements to investigators, the suspect claimed he has never served a criminal sentence before,’ he concluded.