Inp.polri.go.id - Gianyar. The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has disclosed that Diego Alejandro Santos (DAS), a Filipino national who managed a clandestine drug lab in Gianyar, Bali, is a trained chemist. 

Santos, who holds a chemistry degree from a university in Dubai, was reportedly funded and employed by Ali Mohamed Isa (AMI), a Jordanian fugitive, according to antaranews.com.

BNN Chief Commissioner General Marthinus Hukom revealed on Tuesday (23/7/2024) that Santos was adept in synthesizing Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) using advanced chemical techniques. 

The process began with L-tryptophan, converting it to tryptamine, then to cleantriptamine, and finally to DMT. Santos claimed his DMT was of superior quality compared to standard formulas.

Santos had a background in chemical experimentation, initially working on bleach and cleaning solutions. His mother, PMS, supported his work by setting up a tent as a lab. She introduced Santos to AMI through a yoga community, who then financed and facilitated the production.

The lab, operational since January 2024, produced DMT, which was intended to be mixed with Blue Lotus for distribution in Bali. 

The case marks the first significant DMT lab uncovered in Indonesia, illustrating the sophisticated methods and financial backing used by drug syndicates.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)