An Australian national remains in custody in Bali, Indonesia after he was charged with allegedly importing with methamphetamine. Troy Smith, from Port Lincoln was arrested late last month, with authorities finding a parcel with 3.15 grams of the drug.

Kuta

An Australian man, identified as Troy Smith from Port Lincoln, is currently detained in Bali, Indonesia, where he faces charges related to the alleged importation of methamphetamine. Indonesian authorities apprehended Smith after they intercepted a package suspected to contain the illicit substance. The parcel, which was sent from Queensland, was found to have 3.15 grams of methamphetamine concealed within a tube of toothpaste. Smith was taken into custody in his hotel room late last month but has not yet been formally charged.

Legal representatives for Smith are exploring defense strategies focused on his acknowledged struggle with addiction, aiming for a verdict that could allow for rehabilitation rather than severe punishment. Indonesian law carries the death penalty for drug trafficking, but Smith's lawyer is seeking a rehabilitation sentence, potentially as short as five months, citing his client's four-year battle with substance dependency. This struggle, along with his fight against alcoholism, has been publicly documented by Smith on social media, where he has shared his personal lows and efforts to overcome addiction.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has reported that it is providing consular assistance to Smith, whose wife is also staying in Bali. As discussions about his legal defense continue, Smith's situation sheds light on the complexities of drug laws in Indonesia and the potential impacts on foreigners.



Australian man facing drug importation charges in Bali

New details have been revealed about the arrest of South Australian Troy Smith on a holiday in Bali. We spoke with his lawyer in Indonesia today. Indonesian authorities say they arrested Smith in his hotel room after tracking an intercepted package allegedly containing three grams of methamphetamine hidden in a tube of toothpaste. They say it was sent from Queensland. Smith was arrested on the 30th of April but is yet to be formally charged. His lawyer hopes to mount an addiction possession case which could result in a rehabilitation sentence of five months. Contrast that to a potential death penalty from a drug trafficking charge. He's trying to stop but his body couldn't, his mind couldn't do it. As a lawyer we're trying to do as much as we do to get him a rehabilitation. They say he's been battling addiction for four years, a struggle he revealed on social media. Chronic alcoholic, absolutely hit rock bottom. You couldn't have drunk any more than me. I didn't see any way out and probably should be dead to be honest. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says it's providing consular assistance. His wife remains in Bali.

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