There is another drug smuggling case in Bali, this time involving three British tourists. The trio was arrested at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Badung Regency for carrying cocaine. Investigations revealed that they had successfully smuggled cocaine from England to Bali twice before finally being caught.
Deputy Director of Drug Detection at the Bali Police, AKBP Ponco Indriyo, confirmed that this was not their first attempt.
“This is the umpteenth time. This is the third time (these British tourists smuggled narcotics into Bali),” he said, as reported by Kompas on February 7, 2024.
The three suspects were presented at a press conference at the Bali Police Headquarters on Friday, February 7, 2025. Handcuffed alongside dozens of other prisoners, two of the British nationals, identified as JC and PA, were seen laughing and appearing relaxed during the event. They even smiled at the media cameras.
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How They Were Caught
According to the Directorate of Drug Detection of the Bali Regional Police, the arrests took place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 20:00 Wita. The case unfolded when JC and LE arrived at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport after a long flight from England, with a stop in Doha, Qatar. Customs officers inspected their luggage and discovered more than 900 grams of cocaine hidden inside.
“The total is 994.56 grams net. They brought it from England. Caught by customs at the airport,” said Ponco.
Meanwhile, PA, who was waiting at the international arrivals terminal, was also arrested for welcoming JC and LE. During interrogation, JC and LE admitted that the cocaine was sourced from England and intended for distribution in Bali. PA was identified as one of the accomplices responsible for transporting the illicit goods.
“PA is the one who took it, we have also secured it. The mode is put in a suitcase and packed in food wrappers,” Ponco explained.
It remains unclear whether PA is only a user or also involved in distributing the drugs. However, authorities confirmed that this was the third time the group had successfully smuggled cocaine from England to Bali.
“It’s been three times in and out of England-Indonesia (distributing drugs),” Ponco added.
Laugh During Press Conference
During the press conference held in the parking lot of the Bali Police’s Directorate of Drug Detection, the three suspects appeared calm and relaxed. Dressed in orange prison shirts and handcuffed, they laughed and chatted with each other.
Jonathan Christopher even sang the song “Gucci Gang” by American rapper Lil Pump. As they were led to the detention room, they continued to grin and smile at reporters.
The three tourists have been named suspects and charged under Article 113 paragraph 2 of Indonesian Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics. They face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years if convicted.
The police have urged all relevant officials to enhance early detection measures to prevent similar drug smuggling incidents in the future.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of drug-related crimes in Indonesia, as well as the importance of vigilance at international entry points.
