Scam in IndonesiaAirport and border
Being tricked into carrying drugs in Indonesia
How it works
A stranger asks you to bring an item into Indonesia, sometimes for money. Drugs may be hidden in ordinary objects, luggage handles or cereal sachets.
Warning signs
- A stranger asks you to carry something across the border.
- You are offered money to transport an item.
- You cannot fully check the item or its contents.
How to avoid it
- Never carry packages or luggage for strangers.
- Keep control of your own luggage.
- Do not accept a delivery job from someone you do not know.
If it happens to you
If you discover a suspicious item, do not conceal it or continue carrying it across a border. Seek official assistance and legal help if needed.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or resist a threatening robber.
- If you are hurt or may have been drugged, seek urgent medical help. Call 112 or ambulance service 118.
- Freeze stolen or compromised cards. Contact your bank and secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Save receipts, booking records, messages and vehicle details. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report theft or fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number for your insurer.
- Contact the relevant operator, insurer or embassy for further help. Use your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you were detained.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Travel blogBali Customs Guidelines: Allowed, Restricted, and Prohibited Items for Entry and Exit - Bali.liveThe Bali customs guide warns travellers against carrying items for strangers and advises checking parcels requested by friends because passengers are responsible for their contents.Read on Travel blog
- Government adviceSafety and security - Indonesia travel advice - GOV.UKBritish travel advice warns that criminal groups sometimes pressure people into carrying drugs across borders.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the being tricked into carrying drugs scam in Indonesia?
A stranger asks you to bring an item into Indonesia, sometimes for money. Drugs may be hidden in ordinary objects, luggage handles or cereal sachets.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger asks you to carry something across the border. You are offered money to transport an item. You cannot fully check the item or its contents.
How do I avoid being tricked into carrying drugs in Indonesia?
Never carry packages or luggage for strangers. Keep control of your own luggage. Do not accept a delivery job from someone you do not know.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If you discover a suspicious item, do not conceal it or continue carrying it across a border. Seek official assistance and legal help if needed.
Where in Indonesia does this happen?
Journeys into Indonesia
How common is this scam in Indonesia?
Occasional. Scams are rare in less touristy parts of Indonesia, but travellers should be more cautious in Bali, especially Kuta. Common problems include taxi overcharging, pushy sellers, pickpocketing and phone theft. ATM card copying, dishonest laundry weighing and drug offers linked to police are also reported.
Who can I report it to?
Police (POLRI): call 110 or visit a police station to report theft, robbery or fraud. Ask for a written report or reference number. Emergency services: call 112 for immediate danger or urgent assistance. It routes to emergency services in most major cities; elsewhere it usually routes through police. Operators typically speak Indonesian, so ask someone to help if needed. Indonesian Police HQ: jl. Trunojoyo 3, South Jakarta. Telephone: +62 21 7218144. Jakarta Police HQ: jl. Jendral Sudirman No. 45, South Jakarta. Telephone: +62 21 5709261. Bandung police: call 110 or visit a local Polsek station. The city headquarters, Polrestabes, is in Central Bandung. The provincial headquarters, Polda, is in East Bandung. Banjarmasin Police HQ (Polresta Banjarmasin): jl. A Yani Km 3, Kebun Bunga. Telephone: +62 511 252037. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorised transactions. Taxi company, booking app or transport operator: use the official support channel. Provide the booking, vehicle details, receipts and a short account of what happened. Hotel or venue management: report missing property or suspected drink tampering promptly. Ask staff to preserve relevant records and help contact police. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of your loss. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help after passport theft or detention.
What number do I call in an emergency in Indonesia?
General emergency services: 112, Police (POLRI): 110, Ambulance: 118, Fire department: 113, Search and rescue: 115, Bandung ambulance: (022)118, Bandung fire brigade: (022)113.
Reviewed by @snuck