Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Bali cocaine accused has drug past: family
The family of an Australian man arrested in Bali for allegedly possessing cocaine says he has a history of minor drug use.
August 10, 2018
The family of an Australian man arrested in Bali on suspicion of cocaine possession says this could be the “biggest mistake” of his life.
Brandon Johnsson, 43, was arrested last Saturday after Indonesian police allegedly discovered 11.6 grams of cocaine packed into 13 plastic bags at a rented room in the tourist hotspot of Kuta.
His stepfather Ashley Robinson said the former Sunshine Coast man had a history of minor drug issues stretching back to his mid-teens.
Mr Robinson said his stepson had been accused of selling the cocaine but the family is yet to learn the full extent of the charges.
“We love him very dearly but he has made some poor decisions in his life,” Mr Robinson told reporters on Friday.
“This one’s obviously going to be the biggest mistake he’s made if it’s proved to be correct.”
If found guilty, Johnsson faces between five and 20 years in prison.
His Indonesian girlfriend was also arrested following the raid.
Denpasar district police chief Hadi Purnomo said Johnsson had lived in Bali for four years and was a designer or architect.
Local media filmed and photographed Johnsson as he was being escorted by police while wearing a bright orange detainee uniform and a balaclava.
Mr Robinson said he and his son will travel to Indonesia to provide assistance to Johnsson.
“I don’t blame the Indonesians. Everyone knows what the law is over there,” Mr Robinson said.
“I’d actually like to thank them for looking after him at this stage – the police and the officials.”