The trial of an accused Australian drug smuggler has opened in Bali, with prosecutors bringing charges that could carry the death penalty.
Yesterday, Lamar Ahchee appeared in court in Bali, facing allegations of smuggling over 1.7 kilograms of cocaine, valued at more than $1 million, into Indonesia.
The 43-year-old was charged with importing narcotics, drug trafficking, drug possession and abusing drugs for personal use.
While he could face the death penalty if found guilty, a member of Ahchee’s defence team told 9News they were confident he would avoid it.
“We’re confident to defend our client and then going to get a decision as late as possible.”
Ahchee was arrested in May on the street near his home in Canggu.
It’s alleged Ahchee instructed a driver to collect two boxes stuffed with balls of cocaine disguised as chocolate.
He was allegedly paid $4700Â to have the haul delivered to him.
Following his arrest, Indonesian police showcased the 206 packages of the nearly two-kilogram interception.
Ahchee is scheduled to front court again next Thursday.
