BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR — Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have agreed to extend their cooperation in combating cross-border drug trafficking for another five years, as authorities step up efforts to address increasingly sophisticated narcotics networks.

The extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in combating the illicit trafficking of narcotics, psychotropic substances and drug precursors was signed by BNN Chief Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto and AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett in Bali on Tuesday (Sept. 22, 2026).

Under Paragraph 11 of the MoU, the cooperation will be extended for five years from the expiration of the current agreement, with the new term running until Nov. 25, 2031.

The extended agreement provides a framework for the two law enforcement agencies to strengthen cooperation against international drug trafficking networks through intelligence and information sharing, law enforcement coordination, and personnel capacity building.

The agreement comes as drug trafficking networks continue to develop new methods, exploit technology and use cross-border routes to expand their operations.

One emerging concern highlighted by BNN is the use of electronic cigarettes, or vapes, in the consumption and distribution of narcotics.

BNN has identified indications that cannabis buds are being processed into liquid THC extracts and subsequently placed into vape cartridges. The agency said the development illustrates how drug networks are adapting their methods by exploiting products that have become increasingly common in urban communities.

BNN said the development requires stronger regulation and monitoring of vape products to prevent them from being misused as a means of narcotics abuse and trafficking.

Indonesia also sees Australia’s experience in regulating and enforcing laws concerning e-cigarettes and vape products as relevant to strengthening its own response. Information exchanges and the sharing of law enforcement practices between the two countries are expected to help Indonesia anticipate the potential misuse of vape products as part of emerging drug trafficking methods.

Head of the Denpasar City BNN, Police Commissioner Dr. Leo Dedy Defretes, also attended the signing ceremony, held at the second-floor meeting room of the Bali Provincial BNN office.

The event was attended by BNN Chief Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto and senior BNN officials, the Head of the Bali Provincial BNN, and representatives of the Australian Federal Police.

The ceremony began with remarks from the BNN chief and the AFP commissioner, followed by the signing of the extended MoU and a joint photo session.

BNN said the strengthened partnership reflects the need for closer international law enforcement cooperation as drug-related crimes become increasingly transnational and sophisticated.

Through the extended partnership, BNN and AFP will continue to strengthen intelligence sharing, law enforcement coordination and personnel development in an effort to identify, disrupt and dismantle international drug trafficking networks.

BNN said it will also continue expanding its international partnerships as part of its efforts to protect communities from the threat of narcotics and strengthen the implementation of Indonesia’s national drug prevention and eradication program.

The agency called on government institutions, law enforcement agencies, international partners and the public to strengthen vigilance and play an active role in preventing and combating illicit drug trafficking.