GIANYAR, Bali – Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has dismantled a clandestine laboratory producing the synthetic drug mephedrone at a villa in Gianyar, Bali.

During a joint operation with the Customs Office and Immigration authorities, officers arrested two Russian nationals identified by their initials NT and ST, who allegedly operated the facility.

Authorities seized approximately 7.8 kilograms of mephedrone, commonly known as a synthetic “party drug,” in both solid and liquid forms. BNN said the operation marked the largest mephedrone laboratory seizure in the agency’s history.

“This is the result of an intensive joint investigation since January 2026 targeting international drug syndicates operating in Bali,” BNN Chief Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto said on Saturday (March 7, 2026), as reported by Antara.

Investigators also confiscated 219 liters of chemical precursors along with professional laboratory equipment used to manufacture the narcotics.

According to preliminary findings, the suspects had specialized backgrounds. One was described as having expertise in biology, while the other was reportedly a former military intelligence officer.

Authorities believe the suspects conducted drug production between midnight and early morning hours to avoid detection.

BNN further revealed that the syndicate frequently moved between luxury villas in Bali to conceal their illegal manufacturing activities.

The drugs produced at the laboratory were allegedly intended for distribution within Bali’s local market.