BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – A Portuguese national was detained at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport after security officers discovered 50 rounds of .22 LR ammunition inside her backpack before an international flight departure.
The woman, identified by her initials ACRDCFN, 47, was stopped by airport security personnel on Saturday night (June 21) at approximately 11:28 p.m. WITA in the International Departure Security Check Point area.
According to Gede Suka Artana, Head of Public Relations for Ngurah Rai Airport Police, the ammunition was found during a manual inspection conducted with the passenger’s consent.
“Based on the initial examination, the individual admitted that the ammunition belonged to her,” Artana said.
Security officers discovered 50 rounds of .22 LR (Long Rifle) ammunition still stored in their original box and wrapped in white tissue inside a pocket of a black backpack.
Airport Aviation Security (Avsec) personnel immediately secured the passenger and the ammunition before reporting the incident to police officers stationed at the airport.
The woman and the evidence were subsequently transferred to Ngurah Rai Airport Police for further investigation.
During questioning, ACRDCFN reportedly told investigators that she is an active member of a shooting sports federation in Portugal. She claimed the ammunition had been unintentionally left inside a bag she normally uses for shooting practice and that she was unaware it remained there during her international travel.
However, police said she acknowledged that she did not possess any Indonesian permits or official documentation authorizing the possession, storage, or transportation of ammunition within Indonesia.
The case has been formally registered under Police Report Number LP-B/14/VI/2026/SPKT.SATRESKRIM/POLRES KWS BDR I GST NGURAH RAI dated June 21, 2026.
Investigators are continuing their inquiry by interviewing witnesses, reviewing CCTV footage, securing evidence, coordinating with the Portuguese Consulate, and conducting additional case assessments.
Authorities are investigating the case under Article 306 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code as stipulated in Law No. 1 of 2023.
“We urge all international airline passengers to ensure that items carried in their luggage comply with applicable laws and aviation regulations. The goal is to maintain security and safety for everyone,” Artana said.
Ngurah Rai Airport Criminal Investigation Unit Chief AKP Rionson Ritonga confirmed that the suspect remains in police custody while the investigation continues.
“The suspect stated that the ammunition was brought from Portugal. However, we are still verifying that statement as part of our investigation,” Ritonga said.
Police said the woman was preparing to board a flight to Abu Dhabi when she was stopped by airport security officers.
The ammunition has been sent to the Bali Police Forensic Laboratory for examination to confirm its characteristics.
“Visually, it appears to be ammunition. To determine this with certainty, laboratory testing is required. The suspect remains in custody while we await the results of the investigation,” Ritonga added.