Tourists ‘caught with gram of cocaine’ face 12 years in Bali prison
Indonesia has strict drug laws and convicted smugglers are sometimes executed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A pair of tourists allegedly caught with a gram of cocaine in Bali could face more than a decade in prison, Indonesian police have said.
William Cabantog, 36, and David van Iersel, 38, were arrested at the Lost City Club in the island’s Canggu neighbourhood after they were allegedly found with 1.12 grams of cocaine, according to a police statement.
The Australians appeared in handcuffs and leg shackles at a police press conference on Tuesday.
They each face prison sentences ranging from four to 12 years if they are convicted, according to police.
Mr Cabantog was described as a hospitality consultant, and the Lost City Club was managed by Mr Van Iersel.
No details of court appearances or defence for the two men have yet been released.
Indonesia has strict drug laws and convicted smugglers are sometimes executed.
More than 150 people are currently on death row, mostly for drug crimes.
About a third of them are foreigners.
Relations between Indonesia and Australia were strained in 2015 when two Australians, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, who were the ringleaders of a drug smuggling ring dubbed the Bali Nine by Australian media, were executed by firing squad.
A Frenchman was sentenced to death on Lombok, an island next to Bali, in May for smuggling 6.6lbs of ecstasy.
AP contributed to this report
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.