British National Sentenced to Nine Years for Cocaine Possession in Bali

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A Denpasar court has sentenced British citizen Baath Jarnail Singh, 52, to nine years in prison after finding him guilty of possessing 1.4 kilograms of cocaine without authorization.

Presiding Judge I Ketut Somanasa declared Singh guilty under Indonesia’s narcotics law, noting the offense involved more than five grams of a Class I non‑plant narcotic. In addition to prison, Singh was fined IDR 1 billion, with a possible 190‑day jail term if unpaid.

The verdict was lighter than prosecutors’ demand of 10 years. Judges cited Singh’s cooperation, admission of guilt, and remorse as mitigating factors, though they stressed his actions undermined Indonesia’s anti‑narcotics campaign.

Singh was arrested on February 14, 2026, in a Legian guesthouse after police, acting on public tip‑offs, discovered five cocaine packages totaling 1.4 kilograms, along with scales, phones, and packaging materials. Forensic tests confirmed the drugs, while urine analysis showed cocaine metabolites.

Authorities said Singh came to Bali at the instruction of a fugitive identified as MIC, tasked with holding the drugs until collection by another contact. The case highlights Indonesia’s continued crackdown on international narcotics networks operating on the island.

Both Singh and prosecutors have taken time to consider whether to appeal the ruling. ***