BADUNG, Bali – The head of Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Police Commissioner General Marthinus Hukom, has exposed advanced methods used by foreign drug syndicates in Bali, including blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and encrypted messaging apps.

Speaking at the launch of the Desa Bersinar (Drug-Free Village) initiative in Kelan Village, Tuban, Badung on Tuesday (15/7), Marthinus warned that foreign nationals—especially from Russia and Ukraine—have set up sophisticated drug distribution networks on the island.

“We’ve identified a new modus operandi involving advanced technology like blockchain. Transactions are often completed via cryptocurrency, and drugs are dropped at agreed-upon locations without direct contact between buyer and seller,” he explained.

Using Telegram bots, these syndicates operate like organized cartels, dividing Bali into zones—each with its own communication format. “Imagine, criminals from overseas dividing Sanur, Kuta and other areas into operational zones,” he added.

BNN, in cooperation with the National Police, has uncovered indoor cannabis farms and clandestine drug laboratories hidden within rented villas. He also noted signs of expansion by the infamous Sinaloa cartel from Mexico.

“Property misuse is rampant. Villas are often rented and quietly converted into drug labs. We’ve seen this many times,” said Marthinus.

He stressed the importance of the Desa Bersinar program in raising community awareness and reinforcing traditional values as a defense against narcotics infiltration.

“We must learn to distinguish genuine tourists from those pretending to be on vacation while planning crimes. Don’t let Bali become a haven for criminals,” he concluded.