Police Bust Bali Home-Based Vape Lab, Arrest 3 Foreign Nationals

Indonesian authorities have dismantled an international narcotics network operating a clandestine THC vape manufacturing operation in Bali. The bust, a collaboration between airport police and customs, followed the arrest of a U.S. national at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on April 13.

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This success is the result of cooperation and synergy between the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police Narcotics Unit, Customs, and related agencies. We will continue to take firm action against all forms of drug crimes that threaten public safety.

Further investigation led police to a villa in Badung, Bali, where the illegal vapes were produced. Two Tunisian nationals were apprehended in Tabanan on April 20. Police reported that the U.S. suspect had been producing approximately 2,000 THC vape cartridges monthly since August 2023. These products were marketed via social media and delivered through a "mapping" system using online motorcycle taxis, with payments handled via bank transfers and cryptocurrency.

The Tunisian suspects allegedly played roles as a supplier and a courier within the network. Authorities are actively searching for another suspect believed to be the main supplier of marijuana and MDMA. The operation's estimated monthly turnover is around 10 billion IDR (approximately $615,000 USD), based on production capacity and market value. If the operation had continued undetected since 2023, the total revenue could have reached approximately 300 billion IDR ($18.5 million USD).

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We are still pursuing another suspect with the initials SR, who is suspected of being the main supplier of marijuana and MDMA to this network.

During the raid, police seized over 2 kilograms of THC liquid, 18 ready-to-sell THC cartridges, marijuana, MDMA, LSD, and ecstasy. Simple laboratory equipment used for production, including portable stoves, measuring cups, and packaging tools, were also confiscated. Police emphasized the operation's success in disrupting the drug trade and protecting the community.

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The success of this case disclosure not only breaks the chain of illicit drug trafficking but also has a significant impact on efforts to save the community from the threat of drug abuse.