BANGLI, Bali – Indonesian authorities say they tracked a suspected narcotics shipment across multiple islands before arresting two Russian nationals accused of smuggling 7.8 kilograms of hashish from Thailand into Bali.
The suspects, identified by authorities only as KK, 52, and SK, 40, were arrested Friday during a joint operation in Dusun Kayang, Bangli Regency, following an investigation involving customs officers, narcotics investigators, and immigration authorities.
Authorities say the operation began hundreds of kilometers away.
“We secured evidence in the form of hashish weighing 7.8 kilograms gross weight, along with passports, mobile phones, and one four-wheeled vehicle,” National Narcotics Agency (BNN) chief Komjen Pol Suyudi Ario Seto said Sunday.
From Thailand to Bali
According to investigators, the case began after customs officials at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport alerted authorities about a suitcase suspected of containing narcotics carried by KK from Thailand.
After arriving in Jakarta, investigators say KK continued traveling overland toward East Java before crossing into Bali via Gilimanuk Port.
Authorities say KK arrived in Gilimanuk at around 3:00 a.m. local time, where investigators believe he was met by SK, another Russian national.
Investigators then monitored both suspects as they continued toward central Bali.
Arrest Operation Turns Into Pursuit
Authorities say the arrest operation escalated when SK allegedly attempted to flee.
According to investigators, SK drove at high speed while attempting to evade officers.
Authorities say several local residents were struck during the escape attempt before officers eventually stopped the vehicle.
SK was arrested in Dusun Kayang.
KK had already been detained separately together with the suitcase investigators believe contained the narcotics.
Authorities suspect the hashish was intended for distribution in Bali, although investigations remain ongoing.
Investigation Expands Beyond Two Suspects
BNN says investigators are continuing to examine whether additional individuals may be connected to the operation.
Authorities are coordinating with customs officials, Bali Police, and immigration authorities to determine whether other foreign nationals may have links to the case.
Investigators have not yet disclosed whether they believe the suspects were operating independently or as part of a larger international trafficking network.
For investigators, however, one conclusion is already clear.
A suspected drug route that began in Thailand did not end where authorities believe it was intended to.
It ended in Bangli.
