Bali police arrest Ukrainian in mephedrone�smuggling case

Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - Bali police and customs officers arrested a Ukrainian national for allegedly attempting to smuggle mephedrone into Indonesia through Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, authorities said on Wednesday.

Bali Police Narcotics Investigation Director Senior Commissioner Radiant said the suspect, Bohdan Lohush, 29, arrived on a Qatar Airways flight from Poland via Doha.

Officers became suspicious of his behavior during inspections in the international arrivals area and conducted a search, Radiant said.

"Customs and police officers found mephedrone concealed inside the suspect's suitcase," he said.

The arrest was made on May 21, 2026, after authorities discovered three packages containing mephedrone, a Class I narcotic and precursor substance used in synthetic drugs.

Police seized 937 pills weighing 1,367.70 grams gross and 951.64 grams net.

The confiscated drugs were valued at about Rp700 million, equivalent to roughly US$37,000.

Radiant said investigators suspect the drugs were being transported by air for distribution in Bali.

"The suspect attempted to smuggle the narcotics through Ngurah Rai Airport by concealing them in travel luggage," he said.

The suspect was charged under Articles 610 and 609 of Indonesia's criminal code, which carry penalties of up to life imprisonment, 20 years in prison, and substantial fines.

Radiant said the case forms part of broader efforts to dismantle international drug trafficking networks operating in Indonesia.

Authorities estimate the seizure could prevent potential drug abuse among 4,755 people.

Investigators are examining possible links to local accomplices and international drug syndicates in Bali.

Related news: Ukrainian woman caught smuggling synthetic drugs into Bali

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Translator: Rolandus Nampu, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Editor: Rahmad Nasution

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