The Indonesian National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has arrested a foreign national from Brazil, identified by the initials YB, for allegedly serving as a courier in a Latin American drug cartel operating in Bali.
“Cocaine narcotics circulated by a South American cartel, a courier who was arrested from Brazil was completely controlled by his boss in South America,” said Acting Deputy for Eradication of BNN Torik Triyono at the BNN Office, Jakarta, Wednesday (30/7/2025).
The arrest was carried out by BNN’s Bali Provincial Office (BNNP Bali) in coordination with customs officers at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on 13 July 2025. Authorities reported that YB was found in possession of 3,089.36 grams of cocaine at the time of his apprehension.
According to BNN, YB is suspected of being part of a transnational narcotics network involved in distributing cocaine within the island. The agency confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
“This number shows the large potential of the cocaine market in Bali,” said Torik.
Five Other Suspects Arrested in Separate Drug Cases
In addition to the arrest of YB, BNNP Bali also detained five other individuals in unrelated drug trafficking cases. Among them were four Indonesian nationals and one South African citizen, all allegedly involved in methamphetamine distribution.
The South African suspect, identified by the initials IN, was apprehended at a customs inspection area at the same airport. During the search, authorities discovered 990.83 grams of methamphetamine concealed in the suspect’s undergarments.
Combined, the five suspects were allegedly in possession of 2.3 kilograms of methamphetamine. Investigations into these cases are also continuing, with all suspects now in custody.
June–July Operations Uncover 84 Cases Nationwide
BNN reported that during the June to July 2025 period, its regional offices across Indonesia conducted numerous narcotics investigations. In total, authorities uncovered 84 drug-related cases involving 136 suspects.
Seized substances from these operations included 337,381.05 grams of methamphetamine, 2,019.819 grams of marijuana, 1,039.37 grams of ecstasy (approximately 3,152 tablets), 3,089.36 grams of cocaine, and 40.86 grams of synthetic marijuana.
According to BNN data, the total volume of narcotics confiscated during this period amounted to 561.94 kilograms.
“From the amount of narcotics that have been confiscated, BNN has succeeded in preventing potential narcotics abusers that can be used by 1,438,298 people,” concluded Torik.
Authorities Continue Investigations into Transnational Networks
The arrest of a foreign national linked to a Latin American drug syndicate highlights ongoing challenges related to international narcotics trafficking in Indonesia.
BNN has not released further details on the broader network or potential collaborators but stated that investigations are still underway. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with domestic and international authorities to prevent the spread of illegal drugs in the country.
