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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Conflict & Security

Indonesian Police Track Bali Nightclub Drug Supplier to Malaysia

From Tempo · (2d ago) Indonesian Critical tone

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Indonesian police are tracking a drug supplier, Gede Suwitrayasa, also known as Desu, who is believed to be in Malaysia.
  • Desu allegedly supplied drugs to the N Co Living by NIX nightclub in Bali, with evidence emerging from arrested suspects.
  • Police have arrested three individuals linked to the operation, suggesting the nightclub was systematically used for drug trafficking.

Authorities in Indonesia are intensifying their crackdown on drug trafficking networks, with the latest operation targeting a key supplier operating from Malaysia and supplying illicit substances to a popular Bali nightclub. The Directorate of Narcotics Crimes at the Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Unit (Dittipidnarkoba Bareskrim Polri) has identified Gede Suwitrayasa, known as Desu, as the alleged supplier. His current location in Malaysia highlights the transnational nature of these criminal operations.

Yang bersangkutan saat ini berada di Malaysia.

— Eko Hadi SantosoDirector of Narcotics Crimes at Bareskrim Polri, Brig. Gen. Eko Hadi Santoso, confirming the suspect's location in Malaysia.

The investigation gained traction following statements from arrested suspects, including the manager of N Co Living, Steve Wibisono, and an employee, Ngakan Gede Rupawan. Wibisono admitted to receiving significant sums of money from drug sales facilitated by Desu, while Rupawan detailed how Desu supplied ecstasy and ketamine, using the nightclub's rooms as a distribution hub. This systematic use of a legally operating establishment for criminal activities underscores a concerning trend that requires robust law enforcement intervention.

Manajer N Co Living, Steve Wibisono, menyebut nama Desu saat menjalani pemeriksaan sebagai tersangka. Steve mengaku menerima Rp 20 juta hingga Rp 50 juta dari hasil penjualan narkoba yang dipasok Desu.

— Steve WibisonoThe manager of N Co Living admitting to receiving money from drug sales supplied by Desu.

The police have apprehended three individuals—Steve Wibisono, Ngakan Gede Rupawan, and Beril Cholif Arrohman—who played interconnected roles in the drug distribution chain within N Co Living. The arrests, made across three different locations, are part of a broader effort to dismantle the entire network. The involvement of N Co Living's management in the drug trade, despite holding official business permits, points to a sophisticated operation that exploits legitimate businesses for illicit purposes. This case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced by Indonesian authorities in combating drug-related crime.

Ngakan, yang bekerja paruh waktu di N Co Living dan berperan sebagai “apoteker”, mengaku menjalankan aktivitas peredaran narkoba bersama Desu dari Room 301 sebagai titik awal distribusi ke ruangan lain.

— Ngakan Gede RupawanAn employee of N Co Living detailing how Desu used Room 301 as a distribution point for narcotics.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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