Eyewitness News – BADUNG
August 27, 2026
In an official press conference at the Badung District Police Headquarters, Police Chief Grand Commissioner Attendant Joseph Edward Purba, accompanied by the Narcotics Unit Head and General Crime Unit Head, announced the arrest of 22 suspects involved in narcotics trafficking between June and late August 2026.
Police Chief Purba confirmed that the Narcotics Unit seized substantial evidence, including crystal methamphetamine, marijuana, ecstasy, and synthetic tobacco.
“The highest concentration of arrests was recorded in the South Kuta district. The majority of the suspects worked as online ride-hailing drivers, employing a ‘drop-off’ system to deliver ordered narcotics,” Purba stated.
Seized Evidence:
• Crystal Methamphetamine (Shabu): 157.08 grams (net weight)
• Marijuana (Ganja): 1,991.08 grams
• Ecstasy: 26 pills
• Synthetic Tobacco: 1.48 grams (net weight)
The operation successfully cut off a significant commercial distribution network within the Badung Police jurisdiction.
Among those detained are two repeat offenders (residivists). According to investigators, financial hardship, lifestyle pressures, and addiction drove the suspects into the trade, enticed by promises of 1 million IDR per successful delivery.
“Under the Narcotics Act, offenders involved in the abuse and trafficking of illegal substances face minimum sentences ranging from 5 to 12 years in prison,” Chief Purba added.
General Crime Offense Enforcement Concurrently, the Badung Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) processed multiple general crime offenses, including aggravated theft, robbery, counterfeit currency distribution, fatal assault, and act of indecency involving an Australian national.
Investigators have detained 48 suspects, listed 2 suspects on the wanted list (DPO), and identified 2 repeat offenders. Penalties under the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) for these offenses carry prison terms ranging from 5 to 15 years.
Regarding the Australian national involved in the act of indecency, authorities applied a restorative justice approach, resulting in the individual’s immediate deportation to Australia organized by Immigration Ngurah Rai Airport Denpasar.
Reporter: Daniel Herry
