Indonesian prosecutors have demanded an 11-year prison sentence for a British citizen accused of smuggling cocaine into Bali. The defendant, identified as Kial Garth Robinson, is on trial in Denpasar for violating Indonesia’s narcotics law after authorities discovered more than 1.3 kilograms of cocaine in his possession at Ngurah Rai International Airport.
The demand was submitted by the Bali High Prosecutor’s Office, which stated that Robinson was proven to have carried 1,343.67 grams of cocaine from Spain to Indonesia. In addition to the prison term, prosecutors requested a fine of Rp 1 billion, with a subsidiary sentence of 190 days’ imprisonment if the fine is not paid. Any sentence would be reduced by the period Robinson has already spent in detention.
“I beg the judge to sentence the defendant to 11 years in prison,” said prosecutor Dipa Umbara during the prosecution hearing at the Sari Room, Denpasar District Court (PN), Thursday (5/2/2026).
Charges Under the Narcotics Law
Prosecutors charged Robinson under Article 112 paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 132 paragraph 1 of Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics. These provisions regulate possession and conspiracy related to narcotics offenses. The prosecution stated that the charges were supported by physical evidence and statements obtained during the investigation.
The cocaine seized during the arrest was later secured by officers from the Bali Provincial National Narcotics Agency.
“We will file a noble written plea,” explained the defendant’s lawyer.
Arrest at Bali Airport
The case dates back to September 3, 2025, when Robinson arrived at the international arrivals terminal of Ngurah Rai International Airport. Customs officers became suspicious of a backpack he was carrying and conducted an inspection.
After a more detailed examination, officers found cocaine hidden inside the backpack. Authorities later confirmed that the narcotics originated from Barcelona, Spain.
Alleged Delivery Plan and Payment
During questioning, Robinson told investigators that he had been instructed by a person identified as Santos to deliver the cocaine to an individual with the initials PEW in Bali. He stated that he was promised payment of 5,000 USDC (about USD 5,000) in cryptocurrency upon delivery.
Robinson also claimed that Santos transferred 3,000 USDC in advance to cover travel expenses. Investigators said the funds were used to purchase airline tickets from Barcelona to Bali and a subsequent flight from Bali to Thailand. Robinson told authorities that he planned to travel to Thailand on September 8, 2025, and had already rented a villa there.
Defense to Submit Plea
Robinson’s legal counsel, Robet Kuana, said the defense team would submit a written plea to be read in court next Thursday. The defense has stated that it considers the prosecutor’s sentencing demand to be excessive. The trial is continuing, with the court scheduled to hear the defense plea before further proceedings.
