SA father Troy Smith faces trial in Bali over methamphetamine charges

A Bali court has heard how a Port Lincoln father allegedly smoked meth from a glass pipe the day before he was arrested. See the pictures from inside the court. 

Port Lincoln father Troy Smith smoked meth from a glass pipe in his hotel room the day before it was raided, a Bali court has heard.

Mr Smith arrived at court to face his first trial in Bali over serious drug offences, with new details emerging about his case after more than 3g of meth was allegedly found inside his hotel room.

Prosecutors revealed that Mr Smith admitted he had been using methamphetamine since 2020, to curb an alcohol addiction.

It’s alleged he smoked meth from a glass pipe in his hotel room on April 29 at 4pm, before he was arrested the next day at 1pm.

Troy Smith from Port Lincoln in South Australia facing his first trial at Denpasar Court in Bali, June 13, 2024. Smith was arrested on possessing 3.5 grams of methamphetamine while on holiday with his wife in Bali, Indonesia on last May. He face a charge maximum of 12 years prison sentence in Indonesia on allegations of drugs possession. (Photo. Lukman S. Bintoro)

The 49-year-old is facing up to 12 years in prison and a fine of 8bn Indonesian Rupiah (AU$741,690) if convicted, after his charges were downgraded from trafficking – under which he faced possible life imprisonment – to possession and use earlier this month.

The father of two’s case was officially handed to the Balinese prosecutor at the end of May, after Bali’s National Narcotic Agency (BNN) concluded that he was not part of any narcotic syndicate and “was using drugs for himself”.

He has been charged with two ‘articles’ under Balinese law, one of which will determine his sentence.

If convicted of Article 112 for drug possession, Mr Smith will be handed a minimum four year and maximum 12 year prison sentence.

However, he may instead be found guilty of the alternate Article 127 for drug use, which would see him serve a one to four year stint in a rehabilitation centre.

Mr Smith remained stone-faced inside the Denpasar District Court on Thursday in front of judge Ketut Suarta, as the Balinese prosecutor read out his charge sheet.

His trial is expected to be run over a matter of weeks.

Troy Smith is escorted by a prosecutor after being arrested on methamphetamine charges while on holiday with his wife in Bali. Picture: Lukman S. Bintoro

Troy Smith is facing his first trial at Denpasar Court in Bali. Picture: Lukman S. Bintoro

Mr Smith’s new wife Tracy Ijusa, now Tracy Smith, who he married in Nairobi in December last year, was nowhere to be seen during proceedings.

Notable “fixer” John McLeod – an Australian security provider who helped orchestrate Schapelle Corby’s release from Kerobokan Prison – is currently in Bali assisting Mr Smith and his family with their case.

Mr Mcleod said he had advised Mrs Smith not to attend Thursday’s court appearance, saying she had been overwhelmed by the media attention amid the “stress and anxiety of the past weeks”.

“Nevertheless, she continues to be steadfast in her support for Troy,” he said.

Mr McLeod said Thursday’s appearance was standard procedure and his team “remained committed to following all legal protocols diligently”.

He said Mr Smith’s legal team had prepared thoroughly for the case and trusted the integrity of the Indonesian judicial system.

“Troy is making significant strides in his recovery at the rehabilitation clinic,” Mr McLeod said.

“His determination to overcome his addictions is evident, and he is benefiting from daily professional support.

“With new-found enthusiasm for life, Troy is committed to conquering his challenges.”

Troy Smith with his wife Tracy. The pair had been in Bali for a week before police raided the couple’s hotel room. Picture: Instagram

Troy Smith's wife Tracy visiting him at Bali Police Headquarters in Denpasar. Picture: Komang Erviani

The 49-year-old father-of-two had been in Bali for just a week before police swooped on the hotel room he shared with Mrs Smith, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

There, they allege, they discovered a package with 3.15g of methamphetamine stuffed inside a Colgate toothpaste container — a delivery Mr Smith’s lawyers have maintained was unsolicited.

Ms Karmana said Mr Smith was currently working through withdrawal symptoms at Anargya Sober House in Denpasar, a rehabilitation facility.

He was moved there from the 12-person cells of Bali’s Central Police Station on May 23.

Originally published as SA father Troy Smith faces trial in Bali over methamphetamine charges