Surprising way Aussie man arrested in Bali could be saved
The life of Australian Lamar Aaron Ahchee, who is facing the potential of being killed by firing squad, may be saved due to a shock diagnosis.
The life of an Australian man facing the potential of being killed by firing squad may be saved by a diagnosis that he has a “cocaine use disorder”, it can be revealed.
Lamar Aaron Ahchee, sources say, may receive a lightened sentence if found guilty of smuggling 1.7kg of cocaine into Bali for personal use.
Ahchee was arrested on May 22 after Bali police seized the alleged cocaine – hidden in chocolate wrappers – at his apartment north of Kuta.
But his positive urine test for cocaine and a subsequent medical report may persuade a panel of judges, if found guilty of drug offending, to spare his life.
NewsCorp has been told that in July the Aussie confessed during a medical examination to being a drug user after first trying cocaine in Sydney a decade ago.
But since 2017, coinciding with his move to Bali, his use escalated with Ahchee stating cocaine made him feel “energetic, confident, and powerful”.
Sources say Ahchee revealed he was taking cocaine up to 10 times a month before his arrest, snorting up to four grams in a day.
In an attempt to control his habit, Ahchee was prescribed valium, the report states.
The 43-year-old has also revealed his drug use caused him to have mood swings, difficulty sleeping and feeling physically fatigued.
The conclusion of his medical assessment stated Ahchee suffered a “cocaine use disorder” with signs of dependence.
“Based on the comprehensive examination, he is advised to undergo medical and social rehabilitation for six months at a rehabilitation facility,” the report states.
Ahchee’s lawyer, Edward Pangkahila, confirmed the assesment’s findings.
“Yes, based on the assessment result, Lamar has suffered from drug addiction,” Mr Pangkahila said.
“The assessment team has recommended him (sic) to undergo drug rehabilitation for six months.”
Given the medical report, Ahchee may have a charge added under Article 127 of Indonesia’s narcotic laws, relating to abusing drugs for personal use.
Prosecutors will also push for harsher punishments under Indonesia’s strict drug smuggling laws.
If found guilty of drug offending, Ahchee could face penalties ranging from a death sentence to punishments that impose a lighter sentence, including rehabilitation.
Following his arrest in Bali, Ahchee threw himself against a police station wall as he became distressed he had been deceived by a friend who asked him to collect the alleged drug-laden packages.
Police, however, alleged Ahchee was to receive $4700 for the collection.
The Cairns-born businessman is accused of hiring a ride-hail driver, who has not been charged with any wrongdoing, to collect the drugs from a Bali post office on May 21 and transport them to his apartment.
Police allege Ahchee received two packages, which they say were sent from the UK, the following day.
Ahchee is being held in Bali’s infamous Kerobokan jail as he awaits trial.
A panel of judges will determine whether Ahchee’s medical assessment should allow for him to be prosecuted under a lesser charge (Article 127).
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Originally published as Surprising way Aussie man arrested in Bali could be saved
