Ugandan faces death penalty for Bali drug smuggling attempt

A 39-year-old Ugandan national is facing the death penalty for attempting to smuggle drugs into the paradise island of Bali, an official has said.

Law enforcement officers arrested Ugandan Bhasir Gadafi Polikoko last Wednesday at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport for a drug-trafficking attempt.

Drug courier Polikoko, who arrived in Bali from Doha, Qatar, tried to bring drugs into the country by swallowing 66 crystal methamphetamine (known locally as sabu-sabu) capsules weighing 1 kilogram.

Airport officials discovered the drugs after examining Polikoko’s body.

Airport Customs and Excise Office chief I Made Wijaya said on Monday evening that Polikoko would face charges under Article 113 of Narcotics Law No.35/ 2009, which carries a maximum penalty of death and a maximum fine of Rp 10 billion (US$1.1 million), kompas.com reported.

Source: The Jakarta Post, June 5, 2012