Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.   The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) confirmed that Bali remains a prime target for Latin American drug cartels trafficking cocaine. 

BNN Acting Deputy for Eradication Brigadier General Torik Triyono said BNN and customs officers uncovered five narcotics cases in Bali within the past month, seizing 2.3 kg of methamphetamine and 3 kg of cocaine.

“This quantity of cocaine in a single operation indicates a growing market potential in Bali,” he said on Wednesday (30/7/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com 

Deputy Torik added that one of the arrested couriers, a Brazilian citizen, was under direct orders from a South American cartel boss.

BNN Chief Commissioner. General Marthinus Hukom earlier warned that Latin American cartels are intensifying their operations in Indonesia’s tourist hotspots. From June to July 2025, 561 kg of narcotics were seized nationwide, including an attempted cocaine smuggling via Bali’s international airport.

Authorities suspect an established alliance between international cartels and local syndicates aiming to expand cocaine markets in Indonesia.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)