BANGLI, Bali – A narcotics operation spanning much of Bali ended in dramatic fashion on Friday morning when two Russian nationals allegedly attempted to evade arrest, injuring four local residents before authorities brought the pursuit to a halt in Bangli.
The suspects, identified as Sergei Khlebushchev, 39, and Kira Kochetkova, 51, were detained following a joint operation involving Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and customs officers from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
According to information obtained by The Bali Times and confirmed in part by Bali National Narcotics Agency officials, authorities had been tracking a red Toyota Raize bearing license plate DK 1369 FBG as it traveled from Gilimanuk Port toward central Bali.
The pursuit intensified after the vehicle entered Bangli Regency, where officers continued surveillance and attempted to intercept the suspects.
Authorities allege the pair tried to flee, driving aggressively through the area and creating dangerous conditions for other road users.
Among those injured was Ni Wayan Sudarmi, a 71-year-old porridge vendor who was carrying out her daily routine near SMKN 2 Bangli when the incident unfolded.
She suffered injuries to both knees and was taken to Bangli Regional Hospital for treatment.
Three other residents — Ni Nengah Koplin, 56, I Wayan Sudiana, 57, and Ni Ketut Sadri, 50 — also sustained injuries after their motorcycles were reportedly struck by the fleeing vehicle. Their injuries were described as minor and did not require hospitalization.
Witnesses and sources said officers issued warning shots as the suspects continued attempting to escape. Authorities have not publicly detailed the exact measures used to stop the vehicle, but the pursuit ultimately ended in Kayubihi Village, Bangli, where both suspects were taken into custody.
The pair were transported to Bangli Police Headquarters before being handed over to BNN investigators for further questioning.
Senior Commissioner Stevy F. Pattiasina, Head of Enforcement at the Bali National Narcotics Agency, confirmed the arrests and said the case remains under investigation by BNN headquarters.
“They even struck several residents, some of whom had to be taken to hospital for medical treatment,” Pattiasina said.
Authorities have not disclosed the specific narcotics allegations against the suspects, nor have they released details regarding any evidence seized during the operation.
Investigators are continuing to determine the extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement and whether the case is connected to a broader narcotics trafficking network.
Meanwhile, Bangli Police are documenting vehicle damage, collecting witness statements, and assessing the full extent of losses resulting from the incident.
For residents in Kayubihi, the operation transformed an otherwise ordinary Friday morning into a scene more commonly associated with major law enforcement actions than the quiet roads of rural Bali.
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