The trial of 33-year-old Australian tourist Nelson Philip James has started in the Denpasar District Court. He is accused of possessing 0.85 grams of cocaine and 0.53 grams of MDMA, both Class I substances that are prohibited. The charges are based on Article 112 of Law No. 35/2009 on Narcotics. The maximum penalty is 12 years imprisonment.
James was arrested on June 11, 2025, in the Mengwi area. The tourist's behavior appeared suspicious to the police, and upon searching, they found two bags of white powder. One of the bags fell out of his pocket as he tried to take it out. Tests confirmed the presence of cocaine and MDMA, and a urine analysis revealed cocaine metabolites.
During the hearing, James stated that the drugs were planted on him by a woman who was nearby at the time of his arrest. This incident was caught on video, where he shouted, "No, it's Panadol!", trying to convince the police of his innocence. The tourist insists that he was set up and referred to the woman as "the devil." The woman is not formally charged but remains under investigation.
Initially, the man was suspected of drug trafficking, which carried a sentence of up to 20 years, but this charge has been dropped. The investigation continues. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is involved in the case. The next hearing is set for September 4.
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