Accused Bali cocaine smuggler Lamar Ahchee’s sister breaks her silence with a bizarre claim
The family of accused cocaine smuggler Lamar Ahchee has broken its silence for the first time since his dramatic arrest in Bali — where he faces the death penalty if convicted.
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The family of an Australian man facing the death penalty for allegedly trafficking 1.8kg of cocaine into Bali have broken their silence in a bizarre statement, thanking Indonesian officials for handling the case.
Lamar Aaron Ahchee’s mother and sister flew from Cairns to Bali over the weekend to see the embattled tech boss, who has been in police custody for about three weeks over an alleged $1.14 million drug smuggling plot.
The 43-year-old didn’t tell his family about the dramatic arrest at his Canggu apartment on May 22, leaving them to find out four days later via media reports. He then apologised to his mother during a teary conversation using his lawyer’s phone.
On Friday, his sister Stephanie Ahchee addressed media for the first time in Denpasar.
“Our family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to the Indonesian authorities for their professionalism and impartiality in handling Lamar’s case,” she said.
“We are grateful for the fair and respectful treatment he has received from law enforcement and legal officials throughout this process.
“We acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and remain committed to full cooperation with the legal system to ensure a just outcome.
“Our priority is Lamar’s well-being, and we trust that due process will be upheld. At this time, we respectfully request privacy as we navigate this matter.
“We also extend our gratitude to those who have expressed their support during this difficult period.
Mr Ahchee was apprehended by drug squads after two suspicious packages were x-rayed by customs officials upon arrival in Indonesia.
Police followed the packages, and they were eventually delivered to Mr Ahchee’s Canggu rental.
His lawyer Edward Pangkahila said last week that his client had no idea the packages were stacked with narcotics.
“He thought it was a normal package,” Mr Pangkahila said.
The lawyer said Mr Ahchee was framed by a mystery person in the UK known only as ‘Boss’.
While Mr Ahchee tested positive for drugs on arrest and admitted that he struggled with addiction, he firmly denied dealing drugs.
Following the arrest, police allegedly found digital scales and plastic bags in his room – which Mr Ahchee said were for his own personal use.
He has not been charged.
Police are now investigating ‘Boss’, the UK stranger who sent the packages.
He lived in the same villa near Canggu for about a year prior to his arrest.
If found guilty, he faces the death penalty or life in prison.
Police allege Mr Ahchee was promised 50m Indonesian rupiahs to receive and distribute the drugs, which had an estimated street value of about $1.14m.
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