Lamar Ahchee, a 43-year-old Australian businessman, faces severe legal consequences after being detained in Bali, Indonesia, over his alleged involvement in a drug trafficking case. Reports indicate that he was paid $4,700 to retrieve a shipment containing 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, which was cleverly concealed in chocolate-like packaging. Indonesian police displayed a total of 206 packages from this substantial seizure during a press conference, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Ahchee was apprehended near his home in Canggu, where he allegedly instructed a driver to pick up the boxes. He was reportedly contacted by an individual from the UK, referred to only as “the boss,” who arranged the delivery. His lawyer, Edward Pangkahila, asserts that Ahchee claims to have been unaware of the contents of the boxes, stating, “He doesn’t know what was inside.” Pangkahila is urging authorities to investigate the person behind the operation further.
Originally from Cairns, Ahchee relocated to Bali in 2017. Those close to him, including his father, describe him as a decent individual, with one acquaintance, Liesel Pisani, characterising him as “the most genuine, kind, happy, helpful human.” In light of the allegations, Pisani expressed her distress, stating, “To be honest, it brought me to tears; I just could see a broken man there.”
Currently, Ahchee is being held in a Balinese prison, with the possibility of facing the death penalty as the legal proceedings unfold. He is not expected to appear in court for over two months, leaving his family and friends anxious about the outcome of this troubling situation.