TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) revealed the background of two Russian nationals who operated a drug laboratory producing mephedrone in the Gianyar region of Bali. The two suspects consist of a woman with the initials NT and a man with the initials ST.
Acting Deputy for Eradication of BNN Brigadier General Roy Hardi Siahaan said that NT had studied biology in her home country, as revealed during the suspect's interrogation.
"She once pursued education in the field of biology there, in Russia. She specialized, her lecture or maybe her major was in biology," said Roy in a press conference in Bali on Saturday, March 7, 2026, which was also broadcasted online.
Meanwhile, suspect ST claimed to be a former army member in Russia. "The other one named ST, according to his admission, had been in the army in Russia, in Russian intelligence," said Roy.
The two suspects were known to use different identities and frequently moved between villas. They were found to have entered Indonesia since January 2026. The total evidence of mephedrone seized amounted to 7.3 kg.
The raw materials for drug production were imported from China. The police are currently still pursuing another individual with the initials 'S'.
Investigation of this case had been ongoing since January 2026, starting from the suspicious package shipments from China through the post office in Gianyar, Bali, using fake data. The officers then conducted an investigation.
Finally, on Thursday, March 5, 2026, the joint team arrested NT at a villa in the Sukawati District, Gianyar, Bali. From that location, officers found a vehicle key and another villa key which led to the development of the investigation.
The officers then searched a compact car and found several pieces of evidence suspected to be used in mephedrone production. From white containers, blue containers containing ethyl acetate, a box of clothes containing two bottles of 'happy growth', 96 percent alcohol, liquid-filled containers, green-colored mineral bottles, glass bottles of methylamine, filters, tin bottles, and AG+ silver bottles.
Based on the search results, the officers then conducted a development on Friday, March 6, 2026, around 01.00 a.m. local time, in one of the villas in the Blahbatuh region, Gianyar, Bali. At that location, officers found various materials and equipment for the clandestine laboratory.
There were blue plastic containers containing citric acid, orange containers containing cloth, white bags with liquid-filled containers, yellow liquid-filled containers, brown liquid-filled containers, brown glass bottles with dichloromethane, and liquid-filled containers. In addition, there were glasses and plastic with residue, plates with residue, plastic clips containing white crystal residues of mephedrone, a green-lidded basin containing brown liquid, brown bottles of methylamine, brown bottles of hydrobromic acid, clear liquid-filled containers, filter paper with residue, and a green bucket containing brown liquid.
Rofiqi Hasan has contributed to the writing of this article
Read: Bali Waives Overstay Fees for Tourists Amid Iran Conflict
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia Taps Two Chinese Companies as Waste-to-Energy Operators
2 hari lalu
Danantara has appointed two Chinese companies to operate waste-to-energy facilities in Bekasi and Denpasar, Bali.
Indonesia Halts Java-Bali-Lombok Ferry Services for Nyepi Day
4 hari lalu
PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry will temporarily suspend ferry services on the Java-Bali and Lombok routes during Nyepi Day in March 2026.
Relatively Quiet Eve of Eid in Bali as Island Celebrates Nyepi
4 hari lalu
Nyepi, celebrated by the Hindu majority in Bali, is observed in silence, while Muslims are festive and lively during the eve of Eid al-Fitr.
Bali Waives Overstay Fees for Tourists Amid Iran Conflict
5 hari lalu
Thousands of passengers in Bali bound for Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi have faced flight cancellations since Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Bali Issues Joint Call as Eid Takbiran and Nyepi Coincide
7 hari lalu
The Bali Interfaith Harmony Forum issues joint guidelines for Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr 2026.
Today's Top 3 News: Iran Names Interim Leadership After Khamenei Killed
7 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Four Flights at Bali Airport Affected by US Attack on Iran
8 hari lalu
Several flights from Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport have been delayed and rescheduled because of the US and Israel attack on Iran.
Bali Police Name 6 Foreigners as Suspects in Ukrainian Kidnapping Case
8 hari lalu
The kidnapping took place on Jalan Jimbaran Kusel Badung, Bali, on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The victim is Ukrainian citizen.
Luhut Urges Deportation of Unruly Tourists in Bali
10 hari lalu
Luhut is confident that Bali's allure as a tourist destination will not diminish just because 10,000 unruly foreign tourists are no longer visiting.
Indonesia Deports US Citizen After Bali Murder Case
11 hari lalu
Indonesia's Immigration Ministry deports US citizen Tommy Schaefer following his release for a 2014 Bali murder.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5357081/original/011599400_1758518426-expressive-young-girl-posing.jpg)
