Two Russian Nationals Apprehended in Bali on Drug-Related Charges

Moscow, April 18 – Two Russian nationals have been arrested on the Indonesian island of Bali after a party at a villa where they are suspected of drug use, reports Viva.co.id.

According to the publication, the Russians were arrested in a villa in South Kuta district during an operation by the Immigration Police. The head of the Bali branch, Gen. Norhadi Yuwono, said the raid was based on information about a drug binge.

“They buy medicines online through Telegram and pay in cryptocurrency. They use the bookmark system for delivery,” Yovono explained.

He added that during a search of the villa “no evidence of drugs was found”, but the police still had suspicions. After that, the Russians tested positive for cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana.

The Russians have been handed over to the Indonesian Ministry of Human Rights for further legal action. In a letter of recommendation sent by the Immigration Police, the officers insisted that the detainees be deported.

The note did not say if anyone else at the party had been arrested on drug charges.

Earlier, the governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, proposed to cancel the simplified procedure for obtaining visas at the airport upon arrival of citizens of Russia and Ukraine due to their numerous violations of Indonesian law. On March 20, Indonesia deported 47 people from Bali, including 13 citizens of the Russian Federation, for non-compliance with tourist visa rules. The Russian Embassy in Indonesia confirmed the deportation and called on Russian tourists to comply with the laws and customs of this country.