The Bali Regional Police have uncovered a cocaine smuggling case involving a foreign national from Turkey, following an arrest at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. The case was revealed during a press conference held in Denpasar by Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya on Saturday.
Arrest at Ngurah Rai Airport
The suspect, identified as Halil Sener, 26, is a Turkish citizen known to work as a DJ. He was apprehended on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at approximately 5:00 PM Central Indonesia Time after arriving in Bali on Emirates flight EK368 from Dubai.
According to police, customs officers from Ngurah Rai Airport conducted a routine inspection of the suspect’s belongings using X-ray scanning equipment. During the inspection, officers identified a clear plastic package containing white powder that raised suspicion.
Joint Search and Evidence Findings
Following the initial discovery, customs officials contacted the Directorate of Narcotics Investigation of the Bali Regional Police. A joint search of both the suspect’s luggage and body was then carried out.
The examination confirmed the substance to be cocaine with a net weight of 1,295.20 grams, or approximately 1.2 kilograms. Authorities estimated the value of the seized cocaine at Rp 9.1 billion.
Courier Claim and Ongoing Investigation
During questioning, Sener admitted that he was instructed by an individual identified only by the initial M to transport the narcotics. He stated that he met M at a hotel in Brazil. Police confirmed that M is a foreign national and remains under further investigation.
The suspect told investigators that he was acting as a courier and had not yet received any payment for transporting the illegal substance.
“For its circulation, from the results of the examination, he will only hand it over to M. and M, whose whereabouts we are still investigating in the Bali area,” he said.
Legal Charges and Potential Sentence
As a result of his actions, Sener has been charged under Article 609 paragraph (2) letter a of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, in conjunction with Law Number 1 of 2026 regarding Penal Adjustments. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or up to 20 years in prison, along with a fine in category VI.
Case Status
Police stated that the investigation is ongoing, particularly to identify and locate other parties involved in the smuggling network. Further developments will be announced as the inquiry progresses.
