BALINEWSID.COM, BADUNG — The Badung Police Narcotics Unit uncovered 17 drug-related criminal cases between June 2 and August 20, 2026, resulting in the arrest of 22 suspects, including 21 men and one woman.

Badung Police Chief AKBP Joseph Edward Purba said all of the suspects were Indonesian citizens, with no foreign nationals found to be involved in the cases.

“There were no foreign nationals involved. Of those arrested, nine are repeat offenders,” Joseph told reporters on Thursday (August 27, 2026).

Police seized 157.68 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 26 ecstasy tablets, 1,991.08 grams of marijuana, and 1.48 grams of synthetic tobacco from the suspects.

Based on estimated consumption levels, Joseph said the seizures were believed to have prevented approximately 10,500 people from being exposed to the dangers of drug abuse. The total estimated value of the confiscated drugs was around Rp475.7 million.

The suspects were allegedly involved not only as drug users but also as couriers and dealers. They were arrested at various locations, including inside rooms, on roadsides and in motorcycle luggage compartments.

Badung Police Narcotics Unit Chief AKP I Gusti Made Dharma Sudhira said the southern part of Badung, particularly North Kuta, was one of the areas where drug-related activity was most frequently uncovered.

“The area with the highest number of drug cases is in southern Badung, particularly North Kuta. We are still developing the investigation, including toward the eastern area,” Dharma said.

Most of the suspects reportedly worked as online motorcycle taxi drivers or casual workers. Police are still investigating whether all of them were officially registered as online drivers or whether the occupation was being used as a cover.

The suspects ranged in age from 25 to 45. Nine of them were repeat offenders who had previously served sentences for drug-related crimes before becoming involved in drug distribution again.

“After being released, some were involved again after only three months, while others returned to the drug trade after six months, and we managed to arrest them again,” Dharma said.

Police investigations indicate that some of the drugs were allegedly brought into Bali from Jakarta and Surabaya by land. The distribution network appears to operate through a disconnected system, in which suppliers, couriers and dealers do not meet directly.

Investigators also identified a “drop-off” or “sticking” method, in which drugs are left at predetermined locations and later collected by other parties.

“So far, what we have found is the drop-off system. We have not yet found direct hand-to-hand or face-to-face transactions,” Dharma said.

One of the largest seizures involved nearly two kilograms of marijuana. A suspect identified by the initials JA, a resident of North Denpasar, allegedly distributed the marijuana in Denpasar and Badung using the drop-off method and reportedly received around Rp1 million as payment.

Police also uncovered a separate case involving nearly 60 grams of crystal methamphetamine.

The investigation into the networks behind all of the cases is ongoing, with police seeking to identify additional suppliers and other parties involved in the distribution chain.

The suspects face charges under Article 609 paragraph (2) letter a of the Indonesian Criminal Code, as well as Articles 111 paragraph (1) and 114 paragraphs (1) and (2) of Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics.

Badung Police also plan to strengthen the use of technology and cyber patrols to anticipate the development of new methods used in drug trafficking.

“We will continue taking these measures by utilizing cyber technology,” Dharma said.