Inp.polri.go.id - Tangerang. The Indonesian National Police (INP) arrested Roman Nazarenco, a key figure behind a clandestine narcotics lab in Bali, was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten. 

The Ukrainian citizen had been evading capture in Thailand for 109 days after his illegal operation was exposed in May 2024.

Brigadier General Mukti Juharsa, the INP Criminal Investigation Agency’s Director of the Narcotics Crime Unit, confirmed on Sunday (22/12/2024) that Roman was the leader of a clandestine lab in Bali, where he produced mephedrone and hydroponic marijuana. 

He had been on Interpol’s wanted list after fleeing to Thailand following the lab's dismantling.

“He went on the run in May 2024 and was arrested in Thailand while attempting to board a flight to Dubai,” said Chief Mukti.

Roman was detained at U-Tapao Rayong Airport in Thailand, just before boarding a flight to Dubai. 

He faces serious charges under Indonesia’s drug laws, with penalties including the death sentence and a fine of up to Rp 10 billion.

(mg/ay/hn/nm)