DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Indonesian authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle narcotics into Bali, arresting a Chinese national in Denpasar during a controlled delivery operation linked to a package sent from Malaysia.
The suspect, identified as WY (43), was detained on Wednesday afternoon (April 8, 2026) at a residence in Denpasar after receiving a suspicious shipment flagged by customs officials.
The operation was conducted jointly by the Narcotics Crime Directorate of Indonesia’s National Police (Bareskrim) and Customs officers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
Director of Narcotics Crimes at Bareskrim, Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, said the arrest followed intelligence reports regarding a package suspected of containing illegal drugs.
“This arrest was based on intelligence from Soekarno-Hatta Customs regarding a suspicious package sent from Malaysia to Denpasar,” he stated.
Authorities carried out a controlled delivery, allowing the package to reach the recipient under supervision before making the arrest at the scene.
The narcotics were concealed inside a shipment disguised as powdered drink sachets labeled “TANG.” While appearing as regular beverage products, further inspection revealed illicit substances with a total gross weight of 228.6 grams.
Of the 12 sachets seized, 10 contained MDMA weighing approximately 175 grams, while the remaining two contained ketamine weighing 53.6 grams.
Police also confiscated two mobile phones believed to have been used for communication in the transaction.
“Once the package was received by the suspect, our team immediately carried out the arrest,” Eko said.
The suspect, identified as Wu Yanguan, reportedly holds a passport issued in Fujian, China. He was unable to provide a defense after authorities discovered the narcotics in his possession.
Investigators are continuing to develop the case to identify other individuals involved, as authorities suspect the shipment is part of a wider international drug trafficking network.
“We are continuing to expand the investigation to uncover the full network behind this operation,” Eko added.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by Indonesian authorities to intercept cross-border drug trafficking targeting Bali.