An Australian man is facing the possibility of the death penalty in Indonesia after being accused of trafficking a large quantity of cocaine into Bali.Lamar Ahchee was apprehended in Canggu, a popular surfing destination, after allegedly receiving a package containing $1.1 million worth of cocaine concealed within chocolate wrappers.

Indonesia maintains some of the world’s most stringent drug enforcement laws. Simple possession of even small amounts of Class 1 narcotics, including heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana, can lead to lengthy prison sentences and significant fines. Penalties escalate dramatically for drug trafficking.

According to his lawyer, Edward Pangkahila, Ahchee maintains his innocence, claiming he was set up and unaware of the package’s contents. “It’s not true, he didn’t admit [to dealing] he is shocked about the case, he never thought that would happen. Lamar has been set up by someone called ‘Boss.’ He was told to collect the package, but he actually didn’t know what the package was… He thought it was a normal package. He’s telling me that honestly, he doesn’t know what was inside. We’re still looking for that somebody who tell him to take this package,” Pangkahila stated.

history of Drug Smuggling in Bali

This case is not an isolated incident.Bali has a history of foreigners, including surfers, being caught attempting to smuggle drugs into the country. Creative methods, such as concealing drugs in surfboards, have been employed, frequently enough unsuccessfully.

“bali can be heaven one minute and hell in the next. You live the fantasy, you live the dream, but one day you wake up.”

Writer Kathryn Bonella interviewed convicted smugglers, who described the duality of life in Bali, where paradise can quickly turn into a nightmare.

Indonesia’s Strict Drug Laws: an Explainer