A British man was arrested by Bali’s National Narcotics Agency (BNNP) on suspicion of smuggling MDMA in Kerobokan, North Kuta, Badung.
The suspect, identified as TP, was seen paraded in an orange prisoner jumpsuit, marking the suspect’s first public appearance since his arrest on 21 January.
Attempted Escape Ends in Arrest
During the day of his arrest, officers became suspicious of his behavior while receiving a package from an online motorcycle taxi driver on Jalan Bucu, Banjar Anyar Kelod.
According to BNNP Bali’s head of eradication, Kombes Pol. I Made Sinar Subawa, TP panicked when approached by officers, discarding the package and attempting to flee. However, he was caught in front of Villa Seven Seas, Gang Celagi 9, with residents witnessing the arrest.
“With local residents as witnesses, officers retrieved the discarded package and found a chocolate-wrapped parcel containing 1,055.44 grams of MDMA,” said Sinar Subawa. Officers also confiscated TP’s mobile phone as evidence.
TP and the seized drugs were taken to BNNP Bali’s office for further investigation. He faces charges under Indonesia’s stringent drug laws, which carry severe penalties, including the death sentence, life imprisonment, or a minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years behind bars.
Rising Foreign Involvement in Drug Cases
From January to February 2025, BNNP Bali has uncovered several narcotics distribution networks, both domestic and international, involving foreign nationals from Hungary, Russia, and Malaysia attempting to smuggle drugs into Bali.
Authorities have seized and destroyed a total of 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of MDMA, 1.7 kilograms of marijuana, and 1.6 kilograms of THC. The confiscated drugs were incinerated at the BNNP Bali office on 6 March.
BNNP Bali chief Brigjen Pol. Rudy Ahmad Sudrajat reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating narcotics trafficking on the island. He urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious drug-related activities to authorities.
“We encourage the community to collaborate with law enforcement in the fight against drugs. If you notice any indications of drug trafficking, report them immediately,” he said.
Sudrajat also expressed gratitude for the continued cooperation of prosecutors, customs officials, and immigration authorities in tackling drug-related offenses, particularly those involving foreign nationals.
