Australian man faces death penalty after Bali cocaine arrest
A 43-year-old Australian man is facing the death penalty in Indonesia, after allegedly trying to smuggle $1.2 million worth of cocaine into Bali disguised in chocolate packaging.
Lamar Aaron Ahchee was arrested last week following a controlled delivery operation by Indonesian police and customs officials.
Authorities allege he attempted to import 1.8 kilograms of cocaine into the country, hidden inside Lindt chocolate balls. The drugs were reportedly sent in two packages from the UK to Bali.
According to Bali police, officers swooped in during the handover at a Canggu villa after receiving a tip-off from the public. Ahchee was allegedly paid 50 million Indonesian rupiah (NZ$5000) to collect and distribute the drugs.
He now faces multiple charges under Indonesia's strict narcotics laws, including importing and distributing a Class 1 drug, which carries penalties ranging from life imprisonment to death by firing squad.
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Ahchee is believed to be originally from Cairns, Queensland, and had been working in hospitality and marketing in Bali prior to his arrest. Social media posts from earlier this year show him promoting the popular Brick Lane restaurant in Canggu, where he was the general manager until March.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to an Australian man detained in Bali.
Indonesia maintains some of the harshest drug laws in the world. Travellers to the popular holiday island are regularly warned of the country's zero-tolerance stance, which has seen several foreigners handed death sentences in the past.
His arrest comes five months after the last remaining members of the infamous Bali Nine drug smuggling ring were released from Indonesian prisons and repatriated to Australia.
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