Bali arrests: Shackled Australians facing jail over 'cocaine use'
If the two men are later accused of trafficking cocaine, they could face the death penalty.
Tuesday 23 July 2019 14:08, UK
Two Australian men have been paraded in front of the media a week after being arrested in Bali on suspicion of cocaine use and possession.
Indonesian police are preparing to charge the pair and are currently searching for a third suspect after a series of drug raids in the village of Canggu, a popular nightclub area on the island of Bali.
The two men, who have been named as William Cabantong, 35, and David Van Iersel, 38, were led out in front of the media in hand and foot shackles, alongside local drug suspects.
Police acted on a tip-off, and said they found 1.12g of cocaine in the pockets of one of the men, as well as drug equipment including a set of broken scales.
The men bought 2g of cocaine for three million rupiahs (£172), according to police.
The pair have undergone days of interrogation and tests while in prison. Police say a blood test revealed that both Mr Cabantong and Mr Van Iersel were cocaine users.
Denpasar police chief Ruddi Setiawan told reporters: "We advise tourists, locals, and foreigners to come here for a holiday, don't come to have a drugs party or to use drugs.
"We will take firm action if any foreigners resist. We will not be lenient."
The men are expected to be charged under Indonesian law 112, legislation which covers drug possession. The punishment carries a possible jail term of between four and 12 years, as well as a fine of 800 million rupiah (£45,000).
It is understood that both Mr Cabantong and Mr Van Iersel worked as nightclub promoters whilst they lived in Australia before they travelled to Bali.
Indonesia is known for its strong penalties against those who commit drug offences. In 2017, Indonesian President Joko Widodo told police officers to shoot drug traffickers.
He said: "Be firm, especially to foreign drug dealers who enter the country and resist arrest. Shoot them because we indeed are in a narcotics emergency position now."