Ni Komang Erviani, Denpasar – A Brazilian teenager has been arrested in Bali for attempting to bring 3.6 kg of cocaine into the island. Manuela Vitoria De Araujo Farias, 19, could now face the death penalty.
Farias was arrested upon her arrival at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on Jan. 1 at around 3 a.m.
"The drug smuggling attempt was thwarted by the Bali airport customs. We really appreciate what customs have done," Bali Police chief Insp. Gen Putu Jayan Danu Putra said in a press conference on Friday in Denpasar.
Airport customs officers found several plastic packages of cocaine in her two suitcases.
Farias could be charged under multiple articles of the Narcotics Law, including Article 113 on drug smuggling that carries a maximum penalty of death.
The Bali-Nusa Tenggara Customs and Excise Office head Susila Brata said his office would continue checking incoming visitors.
"Our officers are trying our best to thoroughly check all passengers arriving in Bali, to anticipate drug smuggling attempts," Susila said, adding that the customs always worked together with all relevant agencies including police and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN).
Police chief Putu Jayan said that cocaine consumers were mostly foreigners because of its high price.
"As tourism starts to revive and many foreigners come, we should strengthen our cooperation in preventing drug smuggling," he said. (dre)