Australian man arrested for drug possession in Bali
An Australian man has been arrested in Bali on suspicion of drug possession, Indonesian authorities have said.
The Bali Narcotics Board detailed the arrest of 40-year-old Puridas Robinson in connection with drug possession.
Officials said the arrest was linked to an earlier case involving an Indian national, who told police that Mr Robinson had allegedly ordered hashish and marijuana from him.
Authorities then brought the Indian man along to assist in identifying Mr Robinson.
Mr Robinson, however, denied placing any order.
Police raided his residence, where they say they found 20 grams of hashish stored in the fridge and a digital scale.
They said Mr Robinson told investigators he was a user, not a dealer, and said he had allegedly purchased 120 grams of hashish from a seller on Instagram for $300.
They said he claimed only 20 grams remained at the time of the raid.
At the start of the press conference, BNN officials said they were considering applying narcotics laws that carry the death penalty for drug trafficking.
However, by the end of the briefing, they clarified that Mr Robinson was currently only being investigated for possession, pending further evidence.
"We express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to all elements of society, media, traditional leaders, religious leaders and the younger generation to continue to play an active role in maintaining Bali as a safe, healthy and productive area so that it is free from the threat of drugs," said the National Narcotics Board during a press conference.
Police in the Indonesian province said Mr Robinson was known to have been in and out of Bali since 1988, police told the media.
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