Bali continues to draw the attention of law enforcement due to increasing activity from international drug networks. Since the beginning of August, the Bali National Narcotics Agency (BNNP) has arrested several foreign nationals with large quantities of illegal substances.
Palestinian with Substances for Resale
On July 31, 40-year-old Palestinian citizen Mohamed Hamaida was arrested in his guesthouse in Kerobokan (North Kuta). He was caught after purchasing drugs for further distribution. In the suspect's room, they found 11.6 grams of marijuana, 1.5 grams of ecstasy, and 0.27 grams of methamphetamine.
The investigation claims that Hamaida came to Bali specifically for drug dealing. ‘We found out that he was buying drugs from a local supplier nicknamed Big Mouse and intended to resell them here,’ said BNNP senior investigator Tri Kunchoro.
For his actions, Hamaida is being charged under article 119, clause 1 concerning drugs and faces a life sentence.
Ukrainian with "Blue Sapphire"
21-year-old Kateryna V. was detained on August 3 in the international arrivals terminal of Ngurah Rai airport. In her backpack, they found almost 2 kg of the drug 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC), better known as "blue sapphire"—it is one of the most expensive drugs in Indonesia after cocaine.
The drug was shipped to Bali from Poland. This is the first case of this type of drug being discovered on the island. The cost of ‘blue sapphire’ reaches 1.5 million rupiah per gram, and its effect is similar to ecstasy—a strong stimulant that causes addiction.
After further investigation, an investigator stated that V. is suspected of being involved with the international drug network 'Golden Crescent' - a syndicate covering Afghanistan, Pakistan, and East Asia.
Two Britons and an International Cocaine Channel
Two British citizens, Kial Wilkinson and Piran Ezra, were detained on August 3, 2025, while attempting to transport 1.321 kg of cocaine to Bali.
Wilkinson was arrested directly at Ngurah Rai airport after an X-ray baggage check, and Ezra was apprehended at his villa in Kerobokan. Both men were acting on the instruction of a Spanish drug fugitive named Santos, who is currently on the international most-wanted list.
The investigation showed that Wilkinson was a courier, and the cocaine he was transporting was intended for Ezra. After Wilkinson's arrest, BNNP officers took him directly to Ezra's villa and apprehended the second participant of the operation.
The investigation established that Wilkinson, Ezra, and Santos are acquainted with each other. They met in Spain and lived together in Thailand. Santos offered Wilkinson and Ezra the opportunity to distribute cocaine in Bali for $5,000 each. Ezra arrived in Bali first, followed by Wilkinson a week later.
All three are suspected of being involved in an international drug cartel, and their meetings in Spain and stay in Thailand are evidence of their involvement. ‘It is assumed that they tried to bring the goods here on the cartel's orders,’ concluded investigator Kunchoro.
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