Indonesia Arrests Two Foreigners for Smuggling Cocaine into Bali
Denpasar, Indonesia – July 24, 2025
Indonesian authorities have apprehended two foreign nationals accused of attempting to smuggle significant quantities of cocaine into the popular tourist destination of Bali. The arrests were made following thorough customs inspections at Bali’s international airport on July 13. The suspects include a 25-year-old Brazilian man, identified by his initials YB, and a 32-year-old South African woman, referred to as LN. Indonesian customs officials detected suspicious items using X-ray scanners — cocaine concealed in the lining of YB’s suitcase and backpack, and narcotics hidden in LN’s underwear.
Made Sinar Subawa, head of the Eradication Division at Bali’s Narcotic Agency, reported that YB was found carrying approximately 3,086 grams (6.8 pounds) of cocaine shortly after arriving from Dubai. On the same day, LN was caught with 990 grams (2.1 pounds) of cocaine.
During interrogations, both suspects revealed details about their involvement. YB claimed he was offered 400 million rupiah (around $2,450) to deliver the cocaine obtained in Brasilia to an individual he identified as "Tio Paulo." LN stated she expected a payment of 25 million rupiah (around $1,500) after handing over the drugs to someone named "Cindy." Despite police efforts, the individuals named by the suspects, believed to be low-level distributors, remain at large.
At a press conference held in Denpasar, the suspects appeared in orange prison uniforms and masks, with their hands cuffed, while authorities displayed the seized cocaine.
Indonesia enforces some of the world’s harshest drug laws, with severe penalties including the death penalty by firing squad for drug trafficking offenses. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime highlights Indonesia as a major drug smuggling hub, partly due to international syndicates targeting its young population.
In addition to these arrests, the Denpasar District Court scheduled sentencing hearings later on Thursday for two other groups of foreign nationals facing drug offenses. These include an Argentine woman and a British man accused of smuggling cocaine onto Bali, as well as a group of three British nationals involved in separate drug charges.
Current data from Indonesia’s Ministry of Immigration and Corrections reveals that approximately 530 individuals are on death row in the country, predominantly for drug-related crimes. This includes 96 foreign nationals. The latest executions in Indonesia were carried out in July 2016, involving both Indonesian citizens and foreigners.
The recent arrests underscore Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to combating drug trafficking and enforcing strict drug control measures within its borders.
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