Two Chilean Nationals Arrested in Bali with 4.59 Kg of Cocaine in Suspected International Drug Network

BALI – Two Chilean nationals have been arrested in Bali after Indonesian authorities seized 4.59 kilograms of suspected cocaine allegedly smuggled into the island, in a case believed to be linked to an international drug-trafficking network.

The suspects, identified by the initials J and B, were arrested by a joint team from the Ngurah Rai Customs Office and the Bali Provincial National Narcotics Agency (BNNP Bali) at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on October 3, 2026.

An Indonesian man identified as HU was also arrested for allegedly receiving the shipment. Investigators are now pursuing a foreign national suspected of controlling the operation and examining possible links to a wider international narcotics network.

Acting Head of BNNP Bali, Police Commissioner Stevy Fritts Pattiasina, confirmed the case on Thursday, October 15, saying investigators had found indications that the suspects could be connected to an international drug-trafficking operation.

The seizure took place at the international arrivals terminal of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport at approximately 4 p.m. Central Indonesia Time (WITA), after an X-ray scan revealed suspicious images in the passengers’ luggage.

Officers subsequently inspected two backpacks carried by the Chilean nationals, who arrived in Bali aboard Jetstar flight JQ43 from Melbourne, Australia. They had previously traveled from Santiago, Chile, on LATAM Airlines flight LA805.

The physical inspection uncovered four black plastic packages containing white powder suspected to be cocaine, classified as a Category I narcotic under Indonesian law.

Investigators said the packages had been concealed inside the rear walls of the backpacks using false compartments designed to evade security screening.

Two packages weighing a combined gross total of 2,284.5 grams were found in the backpack belonging to J. Another two packages, weighing 2,310 grams gross, were discovered in B’s backpack.

The total seizure amounted to 4,594.5 grams, or approximately 4.59 kilograms, of suspected cocaine.

According to Stevy, the two Chilean nationals claimed they had come to Bali for a holiday. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding their arrival and the alleged purpose of the shipment.

Following the airport arrests, investigators worked to identify the intended recipient of the suspected cocaine shipment.

Officers initially questioned two travel drivers near the international arrivals area. Preliminary statements indicated that the drivers had been assigned to collect the tourists at the request of their hotel in the Kuta area.

The drivers were treated as witnesses after investigators found that their apparent role was limited to providing airport transportation.

The investigation subsequently led officers to HU, an Indonesian national suspected of being the intended recipient of the drugs.

By monitoring incoming communications, investigators allegedly discovered that HU had instructed the two Chilean passengers to hand over the packages in the hotel courtyard.

The joint team moved to the location and arrested HU without resistance.

During questioning, HU reportedly claimed that he had acted only as a recipient on the instructions of a foreign national suspected of controlling the operation.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the alleged roles of all three suspects and determine whether other individuals were involved in the suspected smuggling operation.

BNNP Bali is pursuing a foreign national suspected of directing the operation as investigators seek to establish the extent of the alleged international drug-trafficking network.

“We are still pursuing a foreign national suspected of being the controller,” Stevy said.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet disclosed the identity of the suspected mastermind.

The case underscores the challenges faced by Indonesian law enforcement agencies in preventing international narcotics trafficking through Bali, a major international tourism destination.

Stevy, who also serves as Head of BNNP Bali’s Eradication and Intelligence Division, said the seizure could potentially prevent the harmful effects of narcotics abuse from reaching approximately 22,973 people.

The operation was also estimated to have the potential to save the state up to Rp36.7 billion in financial costs.

Authorities have pledged to strengthen coordination, intelligence sharing and surveillance to prevent illegal narcotics from entering and circulating throughout Bali.

As of October 15, 2026, investigators are continuing to pursue the alleged foreign controller and examine possible connections between the suspects and a wider international drug-trafficking network.