Inp.polri.go.id - Denpasar.  The Bali National Narcotics Agency (BNNP Bali) has intensified baggage inspections at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to curb narcotics smuggling, particularly by international drug syndicates.

"Most cases involve foreign nationals from countries like Russia, Ukraine, Malaysia, Brazil, the U.S., Kazakhstan, and South Africa," said BNNP Bali’s Head of Enforcement, Police Senior Superintendent I Made Sinar Subawa, on Thursday (31/7). 

He added the operation began on Wednesday in coordination with 13 regional BNN offices across Indonesia, as reported by antaranews.com.

The crackdown follows orders from the national BNN Chief Commissioner General Marthinus Hukom, who flagged the growing threat of Latin American drug cartels expanding into Indonesia.

As an international tourist hub, Bali remains a prime target for drug trafficking. BNN Bali has partnered with Customs, airport operator Angkasa Pura, and K9 units to bolster its surveillance, already uncovering 35 drug-related cases in 2025, including international and inter-provincial networks.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)