NSW air force veteran detained in Bali for carrying ‘too much’ dexamphetamine
A NSW air force veteran has been stopped and detained in Bali for travelling with “too much” dexamphetamine, a prescribed medication containing a Type 1 narcotic.
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A NSW air force veteran has been detained in Bali accused of bringing 87 dexamphetamine pills into the holiday island.
Michael Williams Petersen, 37 of Raymond Terrace, was stopped at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International airport allegedly carrying 16.53 grams of the medication which contains a Type 1 narcotic.
According to Mr Williams’ lawyer Sienna Karmana, the veteran suffers ‘deep’ depression, which is why he resigned from the air force.
Williams has been on the medication, which he takes four times a day, for three years.
“He declared the medication, which contains a Type 1 narcotic. We have received (a copy of the) prescription and just need to translate it into Indonesian,” she said.
Customs and police detained Williams because of the quantity of the drug – which is commonly used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy and are usually prescribed by specialist psychiatrists.
It also comes with a ‘Black Box’ warning regarding drug dependence specifically for those with drug and alcohol dependencies.
“The amount is too much. That is the problem. He is here for only four days so 87 pills is too much for four days. The police understand it is a medicine,” Mrs Karmana said.
It is expected that Williams will be detained until the investigations are completed on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Williams is currently going without the medication and has declined a visit to the hospital for treatment.
“I don’t think he can use the medication because it is still in the lab to identify the ingredients,” the lawyer said.
Williams’ Bali vacation was set to be for four day celebration of his wife’s birthday tomorrow (Monday).
“If you come to Bali, we have different rules here and some medicine is forbidden here. Bring only enough medication for how many days you are here,” the lawyer warned.
Originally published as NSW air force veteran detained in Bali for carrying ‘too much’ dexamphetamine
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