GIANYAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Indonesian authorities have uncovered a suspected clandestine laboratory producing synthetic narcotics inside a villa in Gianyar Regency, Bali, leading to the arrest of a Russian national.
The operation was carried out by a joint team from Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and Bali Police at a villa on Jalan Padat Karya in Saba Village, Blahbatuh District, early Friday (March 6, 2026) at around 01:00 WITA.
The raid was led by BNN Public Relations and Protocol Bureau Head Senior Commissioner Lilik Tribhawono.
During the operation, officers arrested a 30-year-old Russian woman identified by the initials Na. Authorities said she was detained inside the villa without resistance.
“Yes, Na was secured without resistance,” a field officer said.
Chemicals and Laboratory Equipment Seized
A search of the property revealed various chemicals and laboratory equipment believed to be used in the production of synthetic narcotics. Officers also found several containers filled with chemical liquids in the room occupied by the suspect.
Preliminary analysis by BNN’s forensic laboratory team indicates the liquid substances may contain synthetic cannabinoid compounds linked to the production of mephedrone, a type of synthetic stimulant.
Authorities also seized multiple chemical substances including methanol, ethyl acetate, methylamine, hydrobromic acid, and citric acid.
Investigators discovered additional laboratory tools such as Erlenmeyer flasks, digital scales, syringes, filters, respirator masks, and drying equipment.
The findings strengthened suspicions that the villa had been converted into a clandestine laboratory used for producing synthetic drugs.
Investigation Ongoing
The operation was conducted under tight security and involved assistance from local village officials. Head of the Banjar Banda neighborhood, I Kadek Dodet, accompanied officers during the securing of the location.
Several hours after the raid, officers from Gianyar Police also arrived at the scene. Gianyar Police Chief AKBP Candra C. Kusuma inspected the site around 06:00 WITA along with senior officers from the Blahbatuh Police sector and narcotics investigation unit.
The police forensic identification team (Inafis) then conducted a crime scene investigation, collecting evidence and taking fingerprint samples from various items inside the villa.
Later, forensic experts from Bali Police also arrived to collect chemical samples for further scientific testing.
Director of the Bali Police Narcotics Investigation Unit, Senior Commissioner Radiant, visited the location at around 11:10 WITA to ensure the investigation was proceeding according to procedure.
The suspect remains under intensive questioning by investigators, while authorities continue to trace the broader drug network believed to be connected to the laboratory.
Initial information suggests the operation was developed from a previous narcotics case linked to another villa in the Jalan Wisata area of Sukawati, Gianyar.
All evidence discovered at the scene has been secured, with several samples sent to the Bali Police Forensic Laboratory for detailed chemical analysis.
BNN is scheduled to hold a press conference on Saturday (March 7) at the villa where the raid took place to provide further details about the case.
When contacted separately, Bali Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Ariasandy confirmed that the case is being handled directly by BNN.
“It is being handled by BNN,” he said briefly.