DENPASAR, BEWS.ID – Ahead of the Christmas and New Year (Nataru) holiday season, Bali Police have intensified surveillance of sea and air routes following the destruction of narcotics evidence worth more than IDR 4 billion. The move aims to close potential gaps in drug trafficking, which typically increases during long holiday periods.

The destruction of the evidence was carried out at the Bali Police Headquarters on Thursday (December 18) and stemmed from the disclosure of seven narcotics cases handled between October and November 2025. Director of the Bali Police Narcotics Investigation Directorate, Senior Commissioner Radiant, speaking on behalf of Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya, said the activity was a crucial part of law enforcement efforts as well as early prevention against illicit drug circulation in Bali.

“This destruction is not only a legal obligation, but also a concrete commitment by the National Police to safeguard public security and safety, especially ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays,” Radiant stated.

In the operation, officers destroyed 2,077.59 grams of methamphetamine, 1,345 ecstasy pills, 338.61 grams of THC, 161 grams of marijuana, and 2.08 grams of hashish. The total estimated value of the evidence reached IDR 4,014,020,000, which authorities believe has helped save around 900 people from the dangers of narcotics abuse.

All the evidence originated from seven police reports involving seven suspects, all of whom are Indonesian nationals. However, Radiant revealed that most narcotics circulating in Bali are suspected to come from abroad, entering the island through sea and air routes.

“For maritime routes, areas such as Nusa Penida, Celukan Bawang, and the Gilimanuk crossing are under close monitoring. As for air routes, we continue to strengthen coordination with Customs officials at the airport,” he explained.

The traffickers’ modus operandi is still dominated by the so-called ‘drop system’, where drugs are placed at predetermined locations and communicated via telephone. The items are photographed, then collected by buyers or couriers. According to Radiant, this pattern continues to evolve in line with market demand.

To anticipate a potential surge in drug distribution during the Nataru period, Bali Police have deployed around one-third of the Ditresnarkoba personnel to high-risk areas such as Kuta, Canggu, Denpasar, and Tabanan. Based on mapping results, ecstasy and methamphetamine remain the most commonly circulated narcotics in Bali.

“The market price of methamphetamine ranges from IDR 1.5 million to IDR 2 million per gram. Most users are Indonesian nationals, while cases involving foreign nationals, previously dominated by cocaine, have begun to decline due to tighter supervision,” he added.

Despite a slight increase in the amount of evidence and the number of suspects compared to last year, Bali Police emphasized that they will continue to prioritize pre-emptive, preventive, and repressive measures through public outreach, education, and firm law enforcement.

Radiant also called on the public to play an active role in the fight against drugs. “Protecting the younger generation from narcotics is a shared responsibility. Together, let us create a safe Bali free from drug abuse,” he concluded. (*)