Indonesian authorities arrested two foreign nationals at Bali’s international airport on cocaine smuggling charges, highlighting the archipelago’s ongoing struggle against international drug trafficking networks, AP News reported.
Customs officers detained a 25-year-old Brazilian man, identified by his initials YB, on 13 July after discovering 3,086.36 grams (6.8 pounds) of cocaine concealed within the lining of his suitcase and backpack. The suspect had arrived on a flight from Dubai.
Simultaneously, officers apprehended a 32-year-old South African woman, referred to as LN, after detecting 990.83 grams (2.1 pounds) of cocaine hidden in her underwear during a separate screening. Both suspects were paraded before media in Denpasar wearing orange prison uniforms and masks, with their hands handcuffed alongside the seized narcotics.
During police questioning, YB claimed he was promised 400 million rupiah to transport the cocaine obtained in Brasília to an individual known as “Tio Paulo.” Similarly, LN stated she expected 25 million rupiah upon delivery to someone called “Cindy.”
Made Sinar Subawa, Head of the Eradication Division at Bali’s Narcotic Agency, confirmed that subsequent operations failed to locate these alleged recipients, whom investigators believe to be low-level distributors within a wider syndicate.
International criminal organisations specifically target Indonesia’s substantial youth population, exploiting the lucrative market for illicit substances. The developments coincided with scheduled verdicts for other foreign drug defendants at Denpasar District Court, including an Argentine woman and British man accused of cocaine smuggling, plus a separate trial involving three British nationals.
Indonesia maintains capital punishment for drug trafficking offences, with convicted smugglers potentially facing execution by firing squad. Official data indicates approximately 530 individuals currently reside on death row for narcotics-related crimes, including 96 foreigners.
