Indonesia Arrests Two Foreigners for Smuggling Cocaine to Bali
Indonesian authorities apprehend a Brazilian and South African national for alleged cocaine smuggling to the popular tourist destination.
On July 24, 2025, Indonesian customs officials announced the arrest of two foreigners accused of smuggling cocaine into Bali.
The detainees included a 25-year-old Brazilian man, referred to by his initials as YB, and a 32-year-old South African woman identified as LN.
According to Made Sinar Subawa, head of the Eradication Division at Bali’s Narcotic Agency, both individuals were arrested on July 13 upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali.
YB was apprehended after customs officers discovered 3,086.36 grams (6.8 pounds) of cocaine concealed within the lining of his suitcase and backpack during an X-ray scan.
Simultaneously, LN was detained after 990.83 grams (2.1 pounds) of cocaine was found in her underwear.
During interrogation, it is alleged that YB expected to be paid 400 million rupiah ($2,450) for delivering the cocaine to a man known as Tio Paulo, while LN anticipated receiving 25 million rupiah ($1,500) after handing over the drugs to someone identified as Cindy.
The arrests highlight Indonesia's rigorous stance on drug trafficking.
With some of the strictest drug laws globally and despite being a significant hub for illicit narcotics trade, the Southeast Asian country faces ongoing challenges in combating international drug syndicates targeting its young population.
On the same day, the Denpasar District Court is scheduled to sentence three other foreigners accused of drug offenses.
The verdicts for an Argentine woman, a British man charged with smuggling cocaine into the island, and a group of three British nationals will be announced separately.
Currently, approximately 530 individuals are on death row in Indonesia, including 96 foreign nationals, as per data from the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections.
Indonesia's last executions occurred in July 2016.
The detainees included a 25-year-old Brazilian man, referred to by his initials as YB, and a 32-year-old South African woman identified as LN.
According to Made Sinar Subawa, head of the Eradication Division at Bali’s Narcotic Agency, both individuals were arrested on July 13 upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali.
YB was apprehended after customs officers discovered 3,086.36 grams (6.8 pounds) of cocaine concealed within the lining of his suitcase and backpack during an X-ray scan.
Simultaneously, LN was detained after 990.83 grams (2.1 pounds) of cocaine was found in her underwear.
During interrogation, it is alleged that YB expected to be paid 400 million rupiah ($2,450) for delivering the cocaine to a man known as Tio Paulo, while LN anticipated receiving 25 million rupiah ($1,500) after handing over the drugs to someone identified as Cindy.
The arrests highlight Indonesia's rigorous stance on drug trafficking.
With some of the strictest drug laws globally and despite being a significant hub for illicit narcotics trade, the Southeast Asian country faces ongoing challenges in combating international drug syndicates targeting its young population.
On the same day, the Denpasar District Court is scheduled to sentence three other foreigners accused of drug offenses.
The verdicts for an Argentine woman, a British man charged with smuggling cocaine into the island, and a group of three British nationals will be announced separately.
Currently, approximately 530 individuals are on death row in Indonesia, including 96 foreign nationals, as per data from the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections.
Indonesia's last executions occurred in July 2016.
