JAKARTA – Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) says a Russian drug network was behind a clandestine mephedrone laboratory uncovered in Gianyar, Bali, where authorities seized nearly 8 kilograms of the synthetic narcotic along with precursor chemicals used in its production.
Speaking at the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking commemoration in Bogor on Thursday, BNN chief Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto revealed details of the operation, saying authorities confiscated 7.894 kilograms of mephedrone, 2.6 kilograms of solid precursors, and 219.785 kilograms of liquid chemical substances believed to have been used in manufacturing the drug.
The operation involved Russian nationals, Suyudi said. His remarks were first reported by DetikBali.
According to Suyudi, the case reflects the growing complexity of synthetic narcotics trafficking in Indonesia. He said investigators believe the drug was produced, distributed, and consumed within the Russian network under investigation.
“The producers are Russians, the distributors are Russians, and the market is also Russians,” Suyudi said.
BNN is coordinating with the Russian Embassy and Russian police liaison officers to trace what authorities believe is a broader international drug trafficking network with links to Russia.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify those responsible for financing and operating the network, underscoring Indonesia’s continued efforts to dismantle transnational narcotics syndicates operating across the country.
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