inp.polri.go.id - Bali. The Bali Regional Police Drugs Criminal Investigation Directorate, in conjunction with Ngurah Rai Customs and Excise, successfully thwarted an international narcotics smuggling attempt allegedly carried out by a Ukrainian citizen at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
The Bali Regional Police Drugs Criminal Investigation Director, Senior Superintendent Radiant, explained that the suspect, Bohdan Lohush (29), was arrested after officers became suspicious of his movements upon arriving in Bali on a flight from Poland with a transit in Doha.
"Ngurah Rai Customs officers, along with the Bali Regional Police, conducted an inspection of the suspected passenger and found mephedrone hidden in the suspect's suitcase," said Radiant at a press conference in Denpasar on Wednesday (6/10/2026).
He explained that the arrest took place on May 21, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m. During the investigation, officers found three packages containing the Class I narcotic mephedrone, a raw material or precursor for ecstasy. The total amount of evidence seized was 937 pills, with a net weight of 951.64 grams and an estimated street value of around IDR 700 million.
According to Radiant, the suspect is suspected of intentionally bringing the narcotics to distribute within Bali.
"The method used was to conceal the mephedrone in a travel suitcase to deceive officers during airport inspection," he said.
For his actions, the suspect is being charged with a criminal offense that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or a maximum of 20 years in prison, along with a fine in accordance with applicable regulations.
Meanwhile, Bali Regional Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya emphasized that this discovery is part of the authorities' commitment to disrupting the international narcotics distribution chain.
"This success demonstrates the strong synergy between the Bali Regional Police and Customs in safeguarding Bali from the threat of narcotics. We are also continuing to investigate the possibility of a receiving network or international syndicate involved in this case," stated Daniel.
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