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Ukrainian traveler arrested at Bali airport for alleged mephedrone smuggling
Bali newsBali4 min read
Bali Police have detailed a drug smuggling case involving a 29-year-old Ukrainian traveler, Bohdan Lohush, who was arrested at Ngurah Rai International Airport on May 21, 2026. Officers allegedly found mephedrone, a Category I narcotic precursor, concealed in his luggage. Lohush arrived on a Qatar Airways flight from Poland via Doha. Customs and police became suspicious during inspections, leading to a thorough search that uncovered three packages of mephedrone. Authorities seized 937 pills, weighing 1,367.70 grams gross and 951.64 grams net, with an estimated street value of around Rp700 million approximately US$37,000. Bali Police Narcotics Investigation Director Senior Commissioner Radiant stated that investigators believe the drugs were intended for distribution in Bali. Lohush faces charges under Articles 610 and 609 of Indonesia’s criminal code, which carry potential penalties of life imprisonment, lengthy prison terms, and substantial fines. Investigators are examining whether Lohush acted alone and are tracing potential links to overseas suppliers and local distribution networks. Police estimate the seizure prevented drug abuse among approximately 4,755 people.
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