DENPASAR, Bali – The head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Kuta Police is under internal investigation after testing positive during a surprise internal drug screening, according to Indonesia’s state news agency ANTARA, citing Bali Police.

The officer, identified only by his initials Iptu MDP, tested positive during an unannounced urine screening conducted on June 8 by the Bali Police Narcotics Directorate and the Professional and Internal Affairs Division (Propam), as part of a routine internal inspection.

Bali Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Ariasandy said the inspection was part of a routine internal program aimed at preventing drug abuse within the police force.

“This is an internal enforcement measure. We are taking action not only against the public, but also within our own institution,” Ariasandy said, as quoted by ANTARA.

He stressed that the officer was not arrested in a narcotics operation. Instead, the case came to light during a surprise internal inspection in which officers were randomly selected to undergo urine testing at Bali Police headquarters.

According to Ariasandy, only Iptu MDP returned a positive result.

Following the positive test, the officer was immediately placed under investigation by Propam and has remained in its custody while the disciplinary process continues.

Preliminary findings indicated the use of ecstasy, although investigators are still examining where the drug came from and how long the officer may have been using it.

“At this stage, the confirmed finding is the positive urine test. The officer’s statement and the origin of the drug are still being investigated,” Ariasandy said.

The officer has not been formally removed from his position at Kuta Police. Bali Police said any administrative decision will be made after the internal investigation is completed.

If found to have violated police regulations, he will face disciplinary proceedings and a hearing before the Police Code of Ethics Commission. Possible sanctions range from disciplinary measures to dismissal from the police force. Criminal charges could also be pursued if investigators find evidence of a criminal offence.

According to ANTARA, the surprise drug screening was part of a broader internal inspection program. Ariasandy said similar tests had previously been conducted on Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya, Deputy Police Chief Brigadier General I Komang Sandi Arsana, and other senior officers as part of the force’s efforts to prevent drug abuse within its ranks.

Bali Police said surprise drug screenings will continue to be carried out across all levels of the organization, from provincial headquarters to district and local police stations, in an effort to strengthen internal accountability and maintain public trust.