Police in Badung, Bali have detained a 33-year-old Australian man after he was allegedly found in possession of suspected cocaine during a routine traffic stop on Wednesday evening.
The man, who police say resides in a villa in Pererenan, Mengwi District, was stopped at around 18.00 WITA on 11 June at Simpang Tiying Tutul for not wearing a helmet while riding with a female companion.
Badung Police Chief AKBP M. Arif Batubara, through Narcotics Unit Head AKP Nyoman Sudarma, said officers from the Hunting Team initially stopped the pair to check the roadworthiness of their vehicle. A body search of the man led to the discovery of two plastic packets containing a white powder believed to be cocaine.
“The narcotics were found in his left hand after he pulled them out of his left pants pocket,” Sudarma said in a statement on Friday.
Claimed the drugs were for personal use
According to police, the man told investigators that he had obtained the drugs at a party in the Badung area and intended to consume them privately at his villa. He also admitted that he did not have any authorization to possess narcotics.
Following the arrest, officers conducted a search at the suspect’s residence, but no additional drugs or drug-related materials were found.
“Nothing was discovered at the location that could be linked to narcotics,” Sudarma said.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities are still investigating the origin of the narcotics and the Australian national’s possible involvement in drug-related activity. Police have not released the man’s full identity and have not yet confirmed whether charges will be filed.
Bali has strict anti-drug laws, and foreigners caught with narcotics can face lengthy prison terms or even the death penalty depending on the severity of the case.
