Indonesian police, with assistance from Thai authorities, have captured Roman Nazarenko, the mastermind of a secret drug lab in Bali's Badung District. Nazarenko, who had been on the run since May 2024, was arrested by Thai National Police at U-Tapao Rayong Airport on December 19. He was attempting to flee to Dubai.

Nazarenko was extradited and flown back to Indonesia on Sunday evening. He arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, through Terminal 3. General Mukti Juharsa, Director of Drug Crimes at the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit, revealed this at a press conference. He said that Nazarenko had been residing in Bangkok for over three months.

The Police Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok collaborated closely with Thai authorities. Their joint efforts ensured Nazarenko's return to face legal proceedings in Indonesia, Juharsa confirmed.

Nazarenko was immediately taken into custody upon his arrival. Authorities detailed his role in managing a drug lab hidden in a villa's basement in Tibubeneng, Badung District. Nazarenko controlled finances, handled equipment, and directed couriers involved in the operation, Juharsa explained.

The case against Nazarenko remains under investigation. He faces the death penalty or life imprisonment charges. Alternatively, he could be fined up to IDR 10 billion (around US$596,000).

This arrest follows a prior raid in May 2024, when three foreign nationals were caught operating the same lab. They had used a rented villa to produce hydroponic marijuana and mephedrone for the Hydra drug network in Indonesia.

This case highlights the advanced tactics employed by drug networks to exploit tourism hotspots like Bali. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in dismantling such operations.