The Denpasar District Court sentenced Russian national Andrei Zharin, 40, to five years and eight months in prison and imposed a fine of Rp 1 billion.
Presiding Judge Gede Putra Astawa stated that Zharin was proven guilty of smuggling narcotics into Bali, specifically Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a Class I narcotic under Indonesian law.
Zharin was charged under Article 113 paragraph (1) of Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics. The court concluded that his actions were against the law and contradicted Indonesia’s policy of strict enforcement against drug-related crimes.
Smuggling Attempt at Bali Airport
The case began when Zharin arrived at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Badung on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 01.50 WITA, traveling on AirAsia flight QZ 24 from Phuket International Airport, Thailand.
During a routine luggage screening, customs officers discovered a container of moisturizing cream in his suitcase. Inside, officers found a yellow-brown paste that was suspected to contain narcotics.
Further forensic examination by the National Police confirmed that the substance was Delta-9 THC with a net weight of 179.52 grams. Along with the narcotics, officers also confiscated a smoking device, a bundle of stickers labeled “My Bali Store,” an iPhone, a boarding pass, and customs documents bearing Zharin’s name.
Court Rejects Medical Use Defense
During the trial, Zharin argued that the substance was intended for medical treatment related to a past illness. However, the court rejected this reasoning.
Judge Astawa explained that the quantity of narcotics seized exceeded what could reasonably be considered for personal medical use. The court emphasized that the smuggling attempt conflicted with Indonesia’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking.
Sentence Lower than Prosecutor’s Demand
The ruling handed down by the panel of judges was lighter than the prosecution’s demand. Public Prosecutor Made Lovi Pusnawan had requested a sentence of eight and a half years of imprisonment. The court ultimately decided on five years and eight months, along with the Rp 1 billion fine.
“Sentence the defendant Andrei Zharin to 5 years and 8 months in prison and a fine of Rp 1 billion with the provision that if he does not pay the fine, it will be replaced with a prison sentence of 8 months,” Astawa said in a hearing at the Denpasar District Court (PN), Thursday (21/8/2025).
At the sentencing hearing, Zharin appeared in court wearing a white shirt and black trousers, accompanied by a mask. He and his legal counsel discussed the decision at length before confirming their acceptance of the verdict.
Travel and Work Background Revealed
Court documents revealed that Zharin had planned to work in Bali for a heavy equipment company. He departed from Phuket on Saturday, January 25, 2025, and entered Bali the following day, when his narcotics smuggling attempt was discovered.
Current Status
With the verdict now final, Zharin will serve his prison term in accordance with Indonesian law. The fine must also be paid as part of his sentence. The court’s decision concludes the trial proceedings, leaving the imposed punishment as the final outcome of the case.
