TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto, revealed the recent condition of the circulation of narcotics, psychotropics, and other addictive substances or drugs. The agency assesses that the movement of perpetrators has become more consolidated with increasingly complex distribution methods.
Suyudi admitted to worrying that the drug business in Indonesia is growing. "Like in Mexico and Brazil, where the ringleaders have strong forces and weapons," said Suyudi during an event commemorating International Day Against Drug Abuse at the BNN Rehabilitation Center in Lido, Bogor, on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
Suyudi stated that his agency found several drug kingpins in Indonesia who possessed ammunition. Officers confiscated approximately 19 firearms and 64 sharp weapons from the perpetrators.
According to Suyudi, this situation should serve as an alarm to strengthen efforts to eradicate drugs. "This means that these ringleaders are fully preparing to fight against the officers," he said.
Furthermore, the BNN also found a certain drug business ecosystem operating in Bali entirely run by Russians. Even the users are Russians as well.
According to Suyudi, this group of Russian citizens usually produces and consumes a type of synthetic drug called mephedrone. "This is a mixture of cocaine and MDMA or ecstasy," said Suyudi.
Suyudi mentioned that his agency only became aware of this after uncovering an illegal or clandestine lab in Gianyar, Bali. Officers found 7.8 kilograms of mephedrone along with a Russian perpetrator.
The BNN has coordinated with Russian law enforcement authorities to dismantle the perpetrators' presence. "We continue to unearth and expose the international network that we are pursuing in Russia," said Suyudi.
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago, believes that drug trafficking in Indonesia has reached a very critical stage. The eradication of drugs has now become a government priority.
According to Djamari, Indonesia's aspiration to achieve the golden generation by 2045 can only be realized if the younger generation is free from narcotics. "If the young generation is destroyed by drugs, what will happen is that Anxiety Indonesia," said Djamari.
Read: BNN Exposes Russian Drug Network in Bali
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