Head of Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency, Commissioner General of Police Marthinus Hukom, has disclosed a new modus operandi in drug trafficking involving foreign nationals in Bali, who are now utilizing advanced technology to carry out their operations.
This was conveyed during the launch of the Desa Bersinar (Drug-Free Village) program at Tuban, Badung Regency, on Tuesday (July 15, 2025).
On that occasion, Marthinus stated, “We discovered a modus operandi of drug distribution using advanced technology.”
Blockchain to Evade Detection
In detail, Marthinus explained that foreign nationals involved in Bali’s drug network are taking advantage of systems such as blockchain to evade detection by authorities.
Distribution is conducted without face-to-face interaction, relying solely on social media, where drugs are dropped at coded locations, and transactions are completed using cryptocurrency.
“Once an agreement is reached, the goods are placed at a certain location with a specific code, and the transaction ends using cryptocurrency,” he elaborated.
Marthinus pointed to suspected involvement of foreign nationals from Russia and Ukraine as key figures behind this criminal scheme.
These actors are even using chatbots via Telegram with specific formats to conduct their transactions.
According to Liputan6.com, “Interestingly, the couriers have already created operational zones in Bali. For example, the format in Sanur or Kuta differs. Just imagine, criminals from abroad are dividing Bali into zones like that,” said Marthinus.
He further warned that Bali is becoming an increasingly attractive market for illegal drugs, evidenced by the discovery of clandestine drug labs and indoor marijuana plantations uncovered by Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency and National Police.
Two Major Networks
Furthermore, Marthinus noted that Indonesia is currently under threat from two major international networks: the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) and the Golden Crescent (Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan), along with early signs of Sinaloa cartel activity from Mexico emerging in Bali.
One tactic frequently used by these criminals is renting properties such as villas or land, which are then converted into drug production or distribution hubs.
“There’s been a lot of land-use conversion happening in Bali. I’m not against it—it’s everyone’s right. But remember, we’ve found several clandestine labs that became drug crime hubs in Bali,” Marthinus emphasized.
He highlighted the importance of the Desa Bersinar program as a preventive measure to build community awareness and cultural resilience against the dangers of drugs.
“We must be able to distinguish tourists who come here genuinely for vacation from those pretending to be tourists while planning crimes. Don’t let these criminals operate in Bali,” he concluded.
Sources: Antaranews, Liputan6.com
Feat Image: via BNN Bali