27-12-2024 (JAKARTA) Authorities in Bali have disrupted an illicit gathering masquerading as a festive celebration, exposing a darker side to the island’s expatriate community. The Bali Province National Narcotics Agency (BNNP) raided a villa in the trendy Canggu district where approximately 50 foreigners had gathered for what investigators discovered was a drug-fuelled party with sexual undertones.
The operation, conducted on Saturday evening, revealed an exclusive event where attendees paid an entrance fee and gained access through a carefully vetted invitation system. Senior Commissioner I Made Sinar Subawa, who heads the BNNP’s Eradication division, told reporters that whilst participants claimed the gathering was a Christmas and New Year celebration, evidence suggested otherwise.
“This was no ordinary holiday party,” Subawa stated at a press conference. “The exclusive nature of the invitations and mandatory entrance fee pointed to something far more organised and concerning.”
During the raid, specialist K-9 units discovered illicit substances concealed within furniture, including Benzodiazepines and THC-based narcotics. Subsequent testing of nine foreign nationals revealed seven individuals positive for Benzodiazepines, whilst one tested positive for cannabis use.
The alleged organiser, identified as a Russian national, has been detained after testing positive for THC. He remains in custody as investigations continue. A second individual was also detained, though they tested negative for substances.
Authorities described the event as a mixed gathering of singles and couples, with many participants unknown to each other. “The organisers were selective in their invitation process, creating an air of exclusivity whilst maintaining secrecy,” Subawa explained.
