Adapted from reporting by Radar Bali
Authorities in Bali have arrested a French national after a chaotic, nearly one-hour pursuit through Canggu that began with a routine traffic violation and ended with the discovery of multiple illegal substances. The incident has raised new concerns about organised drug activity involving foreign nationals in one of Indonesia’s most heavily visited tourism zones.
The suspect, Stirer Quentin Antoine Albert, also known as Curtis, 35, was first spotted riding a motorbike without a helmet on Friday, 28 November 2025, around 12:30 p.m. local time. What should have been a simple traffic stop quickly escalated into a dangerous confrontation.
According to police, Curtis not only ignored instructions to slow down but also sideswiped an on-duty officer managing traffic at the busy Simpang Pipitan intersection in Canggu.
“He resisted and hit a uniformed officer who was directing traffic,” an officer told reporters on Sunday, 30 November 2025.
A Pursuit Through North Kuta
Officers attempted to stop the rider, but Curtis accelerated, weaving through backstreets, alleys, and crowded roads in North Kuta. Witnesses reported reckless manoeuvres that put other motorists at risk.
“The suspect performed dangerous manoeuvres along the roads of North Kuta for almost an hour,” the police source said.
The chase ended at around 1:45 p.m. when a joint team from Badung Police Headquarters and North Kuta Police Station blocked his escape route at the parking lot of Zai Cafe on Batu Bolong Beach Road. Even then, Curtis reportedly resisted arrest before being subdued.
“Yes, he was finally stopped in the Zai Cafe parking area. He fought back, but officers managed to restrain him and conducted an immediate search,” the officer said.
Drugs Discovered After Arrest
What officers found next shifted the case from a traffic violation to a significant narcotics investigation.
Authorities uncovered a collection of substances hidden on Curtis and inside his belongings, including:
- 1 plastic clip containing white powder suspected to be cocaine
- 4 vape devices filled with liquid suspected to contain cannabis extract
- 1 plastic bag with dried cannabis flower
- 1 plastic bottle with THC liquid
- 1 glass bottle containing THC liquid
- 1 syringe
- 2 mobile phones
- A black Honda ADV motorbike
“All the evidence was found on his body and in his belongings,” the officer added.
Curtis is currently being held for intensive interrogation at the Badung Police Narcotics Unit. Investigators say the case involves more than simple possession.
Possible International Drug Network
Early indications suggest the French national may have ties to a broader narcotics distribution network operating in Canggu, one of Bali’s busiest lifestyle hubs.
“We are looking into his network, which is believed to still be active in North Kuta and nearby areas,” the source said.
Police to Release Full Statement
Badung Police Chief AKBP M. Arif Batubara confirmed that questioning is ongoing.
“We are still examining his statements, and more details will be published soon. The plan is to release it on Monday,” AKBP Arif said.
The case is expected to attract strong public attention, especially as Bali continues tightening enforcement against foreign nationals who violate local laws. Indonesia maintains some of the world’s strictest narcotics regulations, with heavy penalties for possession, distribution, or trafficking.
As Bali welcomes millions of international visitors each year, local authorities have stressed that public safety and respect for the law remain non-negotiable.
