Bali police have arrested an Australian national, identified by the initials IAA (43), in connection with an international cocaine trafficking ring. The suspect was apprehended in a villa in Tibubeneng, North Kuta, Badung, on May 20, 2025, with 1.7 kilograms of cocaine seized as evidence.

Bali Police, in coordination with the Regional Customs Office for Bali and Nusa Tenggara, revealed the arrest during a press conference on Monday (May 26). The operation uncovered 206 packets of cocaine weighing 1,713.92 grams net (1.81 kg gross), hidden inside packages sent from the United Kingdom disguised as toys and stationery.

According to Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya, two suspicious packages were detected arriving in Tibubeneng. The first package, sent under the tracking number LG777465194GB by an individual named Ryan Dunn, was addressed to recipients named Alex and Julie. The second package, labeled LB270084135GB, was sent by Dave Jones to James Williams — both bound for the same village.

Though addressed to different recipients, both shipments were intended for IAA. Upon arrival, IAA allegedly instructed an online motorcycle taxi (ojol) driver, identified as YE, to pick up one of the parcels and deliver it to a restaurant in Renon, Denpasar. From there, another ojol driver, IMS, was tasked with bringing it to IAA in Tibubeneng.

The package was eventually delivered on May 22. Authorities, already suspicious, coordinated a controlled delivery operation. When IMS handed over the drugs to IAA, officers from the Narcotics Directorate of Bali Police and Customs immediately made the arrest and conducted a search at the villa.

In addition to the cocaine, officers seized candy wrappers, a digital scale, and small plastic bags allegedly intended for distribution. IAA, who was residing in Bali under a KITAS (limited stay permit), is believed to be a distributor within the network.

The suspect is now facing multiple charges under Indonesia’s Narcotics Law No. 35 of 2009, including Articles 113(2), 114(2), and 112(2), which carry severe penalties for trafficking Class I drugs.

Director of Narcotics, Kombes Radiant, stated that the use of different senders and recipients was a tactic to obscure the true recipient. Authorities confirmed the cocaine was imported from abroad and will continue their investigation into the broader international network.