Inp.polri.go.id - Denpasar.  The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has exposed a unique drug trafficking alliance involving Russian and Ukrainian citizens operating in Bali.

BNN Chief Commissioner General Marthinus Hukom described on Tueday (15/7/2025) the case as unusual, noting that despite the ongoing war between their countries, citizens of both nations have become “partners in crime” in Bali’s illicit drug trade.

“These foreign citizens  are using advanced technologies such as blockchain, encrypted social media platforms, and cryptocurrency for transactions,” he said during a public lecture at Udayana University, as reported by antaranews.com.

The suspects reportedly avoid direct contact by using GPS coordinates to drop off narcotics, with pickup and payment completed anonymously in minutes.

BNN suspects Bali’s high demand for narcotics may be a key driver behind the rise of these foreign-run drug syndicates.

BNN is now collaborating with Russian authorities to uncover the networks.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)