BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – Bali Police’s Narcotics Investigation Directorate (Ditresnarkoba) has foiled an alleged international drug smuggling attempt involving a Ukrainian national identified as BL (29). The suspect was arrested upon arrival at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on May 21, 2026.

Director of Bali Police Narcotics Investigation, Kombes Pol Radiant, said the arrest was carried out during a joint patrol operation conducted by Ditresnarkoba officers and customs officials at the international arrivals terminal.

“During the joint patrol, officers became suspicious of the behavior of a passenger who had just arrived from overseas. A subsequent inspection of his luggage led to the discovery of a Class I narcotic substance identified as mephedrone,” Radiant told reporters on Wednesday (June 10, 2026).

Investigators revealed that the suspect arrived in Bali on a Qatar Airways flight traveling from Poland to Denpasar via Doha. A search of his suitcase uncovered three packages containing a total of 937 mephedrone pills, with a gross weight of 1,367.70 grams and a net weight of 951.64 grams.

According to Radiant, all of the narcotics were concealed inside the suspect’s luggage. Authorities estimate the value of the seized drugs at approximately Rp700 million (around US$43,000).

“Mephedrone is a substance that can be used as a precursor or raw material in the production of ecstasy. The suspect personally transported the drugs from abroad. We are continuing our investigation to determine the intended destination of the shipment and identify any networks involved in this smuggling operation,” he said.

During initial questioning, BL claimed that this was his first visit to Indonesia. However, investigators are still examining whether other individuals may have been involved, including potential recipients or organizers behind the narcotics distribution network.

“We are conducting further investigations to determine the purpose of bringing these drugs into Bali. Given the quantity involved, it is unlikely that they were intended for personal use,” Radiant emphasized.

The suspect has been charged under Article 610 paragraph (2) letter a and Article 609 paragraph (2) letter a of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, in conjunction with Law No. 1 of 2026 on Criminal Penalty Adjustments.

If convicted, BL faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment or up to 20 years in prison, along with a fine of up to Category VI under Indonesian law.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as they seek to uncover the broader network behind the attempted narcotics smuggling operation.