DENPASAR, Bali – Bali’s narcotics agency has arrested a man after authorities intercepted a package containing suspected drugs concealed inside a used motorcycle exhaust, in a case investigators say may have links to Cambodia.

The suspect, identified by his initials GAS and also known as Boing, was arrested at his residence on Jalan Taman Pancing in Denpasar on Friday, July 31, shortly after receiving the package.

The Bali Provincial National Narcotics Agency (BNNP Bali) said the operation began after the Bali-Nusa Tenggara regional office of Indonesia’s Customs and Excise agency flagged a suspicious package bound for Denpasar.

BNNP Bali officers subsequently monitored the shipment until it reached the suspect.

During a search witnessed by members of the public, officers found 19 vape cartridges suspected of containing etomidate and 11.12 grams of cannabis concealed inside the used motorcycle exhaust, according to BNNP Bali.

A subsequent search of the suspect’s room uncovered another 64.5 ecstasy pills and three sachets containing a thick liquid suspected to be “happy water”, the agency said.

BNNP Bali chief Brigadier General Putu Putera Sadana said investigators also examined the suspect’s mobile phone as part of the investigation.

According to Putera, the suspect told investigators he had been instructed by a man known as Sungap, who was said to be living in Cambodia, to collect the package.

“The suspect admitted that Sungap instructed him to collect a package containing drugs sent by Sungap’s friend,” Putera said.

The package was reportedly sent by a person known as “Bang Gogon” from Medan, although GAS told investigators he did not know the alleged sender.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the alleged Cambodia connection, and the extent of any wider network remains under investigation.

The suspect and the seized items have been taken to the BNNP Bali office for further questioning and investigation.