Badung, Bali. Police in Bali have arrested two foreign nationals and uncovered what authorities believe to be a clandestine liquid narcotics operation inside a luxury villa near Seseh Beach, following the seizure of suspected cocaine from one of the men during a routine patrol.

Badung Police Chief M. Arif Batubara said the case began on Friday, Nov. 28, when officers patrolling Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong in Canggu stopped a French man identified as QAAS for a vehicle check. His suspicious behavior prompted officers to conduct a deeper inspection.

“During the search, officers found a substance suspected to be cocaine. From that discovery, we immediately conducted a swift and measured follow-up investigation,” Arif told reporters at the Badung Police headquarters on Monday.

Police then moved to a villa occupied by QAAS in the Seseh Beach area at around 2:20 p.m. the same day. Inside, officers found another foreigner, identified as 62-year-old American KLR, who was allegedly involved in illicit activities at the property.

A search of the villa uncovered three vape devices filled with liquid suspected of containing narcotics, strengthening suspicions that the upscale villa had been converted into a site for mixing or producing liquid drugs for vaping.

Police also seized three “Get Rich” vape devices containing suspected cannabidiol (CBD) liquid, a small glass bottle of CBD liquid, a packet of brown powder believed to be heroin, and two mobile phones from KLR. A broader search of the villa uncovered 147 empty vape cartridges, two bundles of plastic clips, five more mobile phones, and three laptops.

Arif said the volume and type of materials found strongly suggested an active processing site.

“The evidence indicates preparation and production of liquid narcotics. This is not merely for personal use; it has entered the processing stage,” he said.

He added that the Badung Police would enforce Indonesia’s narcotics laws rigorously, regardless of the suspects’ nationality.

“We will not give any space to narcotics offenders in Bali, especially when foreign nationals are involved. The case is still under development as we work to uncover each suspect’s role and any connected networks,” Arif said.

Both suspects have been charged under Article 111(1) of Indonesia’s 2009 Narcotics Law, which carries a prison sentence of four to 12 years and fines ranging from Rp800 million ($48,000) to Rp8 billion.

Add as a preferred source on Google +