Australian Man Sentenced To Rehab For Meth Possession In Bali

An Australian man has been sentenced to six months of rehabilitation by an Indonesian court in Bali after being found guilty of possessing methamphetamine. 

Troy Andrew Smith, originally from Port Lincoln, was arrested following a police raid on his hotel room near Kuta Beach.

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Authorities seized 3.15 grams of crystal methamphetamine and additional drug paraphernalia.

He was Initially charged with drug trafficking, a crime that carries the death penalty in Indonesia

His charge was then reduced to drug possession after a police assessment determined he was a user rather than a trafficker. 

During the trial, Mr Smith ordered the drugs from Australia to manage his depression and anxiety.

In a hearing at Denpasar District Court, a panel of judges credited the time Smith has already served since his arrest, meaning he is expected to be released in several months.

Presiding Judge Ketut Suarta said: “The defendant committed a criminal offence by using Class I narcotics for personal use, which undermines the government’s efforts against drug trafficking.” 

Following the sentencing, both prosecutors and Smith’sSmith’s legal team confirmed they would not appeal the decision. 

Mr Smith expressed gratitude to his lawyers and family, including his new wife Tracy, whom he was honeymooning with at the time of his arrest. 

“Thank you to Tracy, whose love I lay down every single day”.

Indonesia maintains strict drug laws, and those convicted of trafficking face severe penalties, including execution by firing squad.

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