BANDUNG, SEATIZENS- In a significant law enforcement operation, Indonesian police raided a villa located in Uluwatu, Bali. This villa reportedly served as a clandestine laboratory for producing Drugs, hashish. The operation led to the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of illegal substances valued at over IDR 1.5 trillion (approximately USD 100 million). Consequently, this incident marks one of the largest drug busts in recent history.
Authorities launched the investigation after discovering 25 kilograms of hashish in Yogyakarta in September 2024. Following this initial find, police conducted extensive investigations to trace the illegal drugs back to their source in Bali. This development highlighted a well-established trafficking network operating in the region.
Complex Operation with Shifting Locations
Commissioner General Wahyu Widada, the head of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Indonesian National Police, shed light on the complexities of the operation. He noted that the production of hashish did not occur in a single location; instead, it involved shifting facilities throughout various areas in Bali. The four arrested suspects, identified by their initials as MR, RR, N, and DA, all hold Indonesian citizenship and play various roles in the production process, including processing and packaging the drugs.
In addition to the four apprehended suspects, authorities are still searching for four individuals involved in the operation. These include a key figure known as DOM, who allegedly controls the entire operation. Additionally, RMD worked as another processor and packager, MAS rented the villa, and IC was responsible for recruiting workers. This ongoing investigation indicates that the authorities are determined to track down all parties involved.
Innovative Hashish Production Techniques
Wahyu explained that the laboratory employed innovative methods to extract tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from cannabis plants. The extraction process is notably efficient, with every 1,000 grams of cannabis yielding approximately 200 grams of hashish. This efficient method raises substantial concerns among law enforcement about the scale of production. Reports suggest that the hashish and other drugs were intended for distribution during the New Year celebrations in 2025, targeting local markets in Bali and Java while also aiming for international export.
During the raid, police seized significant evidence, which included 30 kilograms of solid hashish, 53,210 pills of a psychoactive substance commonly referred to as “happy five,” and 765 pre-filled cartridges containing a total of 2,294 grams of the substance. These findings underscore the scale of the operation and its potential impact on public health and safety.
Severe Penalties Await Arrested Suspects
The arrested suspects now face multiple charges under Indonesian law, which could lead to severe penalties. They are subject to various legal provisions, with a maximum prison sentence of 20 years for some offenses. In severe cases, they could even face life imprisonment or the death penalty. This reflects the stringent measures in place against drug offenses in Indonesia.
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In conclusion, this raid highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Indonesia. This incident demonstrates the vigilance and commitment of law enforcement agencies as they confront this persistent issue. As investigations continue, authorities remain dedicated to disrupting drug production and distribution networks operating within the country, significantly contributing to public safety.
(Firyal Trinidad)
