Three British Nationals Face Death Penalty in Indonesia for Alleged Cocaine Smuggling

Denpasar, Bali — Three British nationals have been charged with drug smuggling on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali and are facing potential death penalties under the country’s strict drug laws. The individuals, Jonathan Christopher Collyer, 28, Lisa Ellen Stocker, 29, and Phineas Ambrose Float, 31, were accused of bringing over two pounds of cocaine into Indonesia hidden in their luggage.

Arrest Details

The charges stem from an incident that occurred on February 1, when Collyer and Stocker were stopped by customs officials at an airport X-ray machine in Bali. Authorities discovered suspicious packages disguised as food items in their bags. Prosecutor I Made Dipa Umbara revealed that laboratory tests confirmed that a total of 2.19 pounds of cocaine was concealed within ten sachets of Angel Delight pudding mix located in Collyer’s luggage and seven similar sachets found in Stocker’s suitcase.

Following their arrest, law enforcement apprehended Float just two days later. He was taken into custody during a controlled delivery operation wherein Collyer and Stocker were observed handing the drugs to him in the parking lot of a hotel in Denpasar. Float is facing separate charges.

History of Drug Smuggling

Investigators indicated that this was not the first attempt by the trio to smuggle drugs into Indonesia; they had successfully carried out similar operations on two previous occasions prior to their arrest. Ponco Indriyo, Deputy Director of the Bali Police Narcotics Unit, acknowledged their previous attempts during a news conference held shortly after their arrest.

Current Legal Proceedings

The initial court appearance took place at the District Court in Denpasar on June 3, where the charges against the group were formally read. The panel of judges has adjourned the trial, with the next hearing scheduled for June 10, during which witness testimonies will be presented. Following the proceedings, both the defendants and their legal representatives opted not to provide any comments to the media.

Their lawyer, Sheiny Pangkahila, spoke to the BBC in February, indicating that if convicted, each individual could face prison sentences ranging from 15 to 20 years, or potentially the death penalty.

Indonesia’s Drug Laws and Death Penalty

Indonesia is known for its stringent drug laws, which include the death penalty for severe drug offenses. Data from the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections indicates that around 530 people are currently on death row in the country, including 96 foreigners primarily sentenced for drug-related crimes. The last executions in Indonesia took place in July 2016. Among those on death row is British national Lindsay Sandiford, who has been incarcerated for over a decade after her arrest for smuggling 8.4 pounds of cocaine into Bali in 2012. A court upheld her death sentence in 2013, reflecting the harsh penalties imposed on drug trafficking in Indonesia.

Global Context

Indonesia’s strict drug regulations have not deterred international drug syndicates from targeting the country, particularly due to its young population and geographical location. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has classified Indonesia as a significant hub for drug smuggling despite these punitive measures.

In recent months, the Indonesian government has made efforts to repatriate certain high-profile inmates sentenced for drug offenses, returning several foreigners to their home countries and alleviating some from death row.

Meanwhile, in another development, a British former flight attendant was arrested in Sri Lanka for allegedly possessing over 100 pounds of synthetic cannabis, facing potential life imprisonment if convicted.

As the trial continues in Indonesia, the three British nationals await the next court hearing amid serious allegations and the looming threat of severe penalties.