Gianyar, Bali (ANTARA) – Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has uncovered a Russian-controlled mephedrone drug laboratory at The Lavana De'Bale Marcapada villa complex in Gianyar, Bali.Two Russian nationals, identified by their initials NT/KS (female) and ST (male), were arrested during the operation. Both had been living in Indonesia since January 2026, BNN head Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto said on Saturday.The suspects are strongly suspected of playing active roles in producing and distributing mephedrone, a synthetic party drug.Seto said the arrests followed a joint investigation by BNN, Customs and Excise, and Immigration authorities that began in January.BNN Acting Deputy for Eradication Brigadier General Roy Hardi Siahaan said law enforcement agencies had previously detected small amounts of mephedrone in Indonesia, but this was the first time authorities uncovered a laboratory producing the drug on such a scale.”This is the largest quantity we have found, totaling 7.3 kilograms net,” he said.Authorities discovered the operation on March 5 at around 11:45 p.m. after months of surveillance. The suspects were arrested shortly after completing a production cycle, preventing the drugs from being distributed.Officers seized mephedrone in both liquid solution and crystalline powder form ready for distribution, along with various chemicals and laboratory equipment used in the manufacturing process.Initial investigations showed that NT had studied biology in Russia, knowledge believed to have been used to produce the synthetic drug.Meanwhile, ST admitted he previously served in the Russian military's intelligence division but said he had left the service due to health reasons.Siahaan said the international syndicate used a sophisticated modus operandi, renting several villas in Bali to conceal illegal production activities.Authorities confiscated approximately 644 grams of solid mephedrone and 7,250 milliliters of liquid solution, with a combined gross weight of about 7.9 kilograms.Investigators also seized large quantities of chemical precursors suspected of being used in drug production, along with laboratory equipment such as digital scales, respirator masks, glass flasks and magnetic stirrers.