Surprise Inspection at Karangasem Prison Uncovers Mobile Phones and Weapons

A combined task force from Karangasem Class IIB Correctional Institution (Lapas), the Karangasem District Narcotics Agency (BNNK), the Indonesian military (TNI), and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) conducted a surprise inspection (sidak) across various inmate blocks. Officers discovered mobile phones and sharp weapons during the search operations.

Prison Head (Kalapas) of Karangasem Class IIB Correctional Institution I Wayan Bondan Wahyu Kusuma Dusak revealed the surprise inspection was an early detection measure against potential threats to security and order within the prison, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

“This demonstrates our seriousness in ensuring no prohibited items such as narcotics and others enter the prison,” Bondan stated on Wednesday (25 February 2026).

Beyond mobile phones and sharp weapons, officers also seized stones and matchboxes from within the correctional facility. Officers immediately interrogated an inmate found carrying three mobile phones into the detention centre.

During interrogation, the inmate admitted to bringing the phones to communicate with family members. According to Bondan, nothing suspicious was found on the devices.

“All evidence we have secured, including the mobile phones, will be destroyed immediately,” Bondan said.

Bondan emphasised that similar operations will continue to be conducted in phases. He stated this aim was to prevent prohibited items from entering the prison facility.