BADUNG – The Bali Provincial National Narcotics Agency (BNNP Bali) has successfully dismantled an international drug trafficking network operating on the island. Following the arrest of an Argentine national, EG (45), at Ngurah Rai Airport on March 25, 2025, authorities apprehended EJS (50), a British national suspected of being the recipient of the narcotics.
The drug trafficking operation was allegedly based in a guesthouse in Kerobokan, North Kuta, Badung. BNNP Bali Chief, Brigadier General Rudy Ahmad Sudrajat, S.I.K., M.H., confirmed the arrest on March 27, 2025.
Cocaine Smuggled from Mexico to Bali
According to Brigadier General Rudy, EG was detained at Ngurah Rai Airport after customs officers discovered 323.76 grams of cocaine concealed in her genitalia.
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“EG is part of the Mexico-Bali network and transported the cocaine from Dubai to Bali, where it was intended for EJS, who had already arrived on the island as the recipient,” he explained.
Following EG’s confession—where she admitted to working as a hairstylist in Argentina—BNNP Bali’s Eradication Team immediately launched an operation and apprehended EJS at a guesthouse in Kerobokan, Badung.
“EJS was detained at a guesthouse in Kerobokan as the intended recipient of the cocaine,” Brigadier General Rudy confirmed.
Cocaine Intended for Distribution Among Tourists
During questioning, EJS denied any familial or romantic ties with EG and instead claimed that he had promised her a payment of USD 3,000 to transport the cocaine to Bali. His statement aligned with EG’s earlier confession to Ngurah Rai Customs officials after her arrest.
Investigators found that the cocaine originated from Mexico before it was smuggled into Indonesia through the Dubai-Bali route. EJS further admitted that the narcotics were intended for resale to tourists and associates in Bali.
“He confessed that the cocaine was meant to be sold to tourists on the island,” Brigadier General Rudy added.
Both suspects are now in BNNP Bali custody for further investigation into their involvement in the international drug network. Meanwhile, the cocaine has been sent to a forensic laboratory for detailed analysis.
“This operation is a crucial step in dismantling the cocaine network in Bali and preventing further drug trafficking activities on the island,” Brigadier General Rudy concluded.