Drug Laws in Bali – Being Watchful & Wary
If you have watched National Geographic Channel’s TV show, ‘Locked Up Abroad’ then you know that drug laws are pretty strict in Asia. This includes countries such as Indonesia, and by extension the island of Bali. If travelling here be wary of anyone unknown wanting you to carry packages for them or from those who may look to sell you any illegal substances or pills. Drug laws in Bali (and Indonesia) can be grouped depending on the types of drugs which can be broken into 3 groups.
Group 1 Drugs – This group includes substances such as cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, LSD and marijuana and incur the harshest penalties. They are considered drugs that are highly addictive and with it come punishments that range from life imprisonment to the death penalty which is passed on drug traffickers who are convicted. Possession can incur imprisonment for 4 to 12 years and various fines, though depending on the drug and amount found, life imprisonment can also be passed. Trafficking has 5 to 15 years imprisonment and other fines though depending on the amount the death penalty can be passed.
Group 2 Drugs – Substances in this category include oxycodone, morphine and methadone and while some are regarded as having therapeutic properties they are also viewed as having a high potential of being addictive. As previously, depending on the amount found, the penalties can vary; possession convictions can range from 3 to 10 years imprisonment to 5 to 15 years. Trafficking can be a 4 to 12 year prison sentence, while the death penalty can also be imposed. It always helps to stay at a place near your country consulate so as to get more information or to contact them if you ever need help. If staying at a resort in Bali Kuta you can find options close to the consulates of Australia, USA, Germany and Japan. Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is a choice you can consider in this regard.
Group 3 Drugs – These are what are considered somewhat addictive but not as much as those in the other two groups. Buprenorphine and codeine are included in this group, with prison sentences ranging from 2 to 7 years to 3 to 10 years. Traffickers who are convicted will face harsher penalties with sentences varying on the amount of drugs being trafficked and imprisonment ranging from 3 to 10 years to 5 to 15 years.