Australian man holds head, appears to cry in public appearance after being arrested in Bali on drug allegations
Australian man Puridas Robinson has covered his face and appeared to cry in a public shaming after being arrested in Bali on drug allegations.
The Daily Telegraph reports Mr Robinson, who is facing a prison sentence in the Indonesian province, was visibly emotional when he was placed in front of media at a press conference in Bali's capital Denpasar on Thursday.
The 40-year-old originally from Queensland was arrested at a Denpasar address on May 29 and has admitted to using cryptocurrency to purchase 120g of cannabis, according to the masthead.
His arrest came after Indian man Harsh Nowlakha, 31, was allegedly caught by authorities attempting to smuggle cannabis into Bali via the island's international airport, The Daily Telegraph reported.
According to the masthead, Mr Nowlakha has asserted the cannabis was bound for the Australian man's address, but Mr Robinson has denied ordering the drugs.
A police raid of the Australian's Bali residence reportedly located 20g of cannabis as well as small plastic bags and scales.
Pictures of the Denpasar press conference on Thursday show Mr Nowlakha, who has also been arrested, among the group of detainees that were brought to face media.
Drugs displayed in plastic bags were held up at the press stand-up next to Mr Robinson.
The Daily Telegraph has reported that Mr Nowlakha was allegedly found at Bali's international airport with 600g of cannabis in his possession.
Both the Indian man and Mr Robinson are reportedly two of five people arrested on the same day that included two Kazakhstan nationals and an American.
Fellow Australian national Lamar Ahchee, a business managed originally from Cairns, faces the death penalty after being arrested in the Indonesian province last month for allegedly trying to smuggle cocaine into the country.
Police have alleged Mr Ahchee aided in smuggling 1.8 kilograms of the drug into Bali.
Mr Ahchee's lawyer has since claimed his client did not know the package he allegedly smuggled contained drugs.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs' Smartraveller website outlines that penalties for drug offences in Indonesia includes 'heavy fines, lengthy prison sentences and the death penalty'.
'Do not possess or use illegal drugs in Indonesia. Police target tourist destinations and events,' reads the website, which issues official travel information for Australians heading oversees.
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