Feb. 24
INDONESIA/AUSTRALIA: THE DRUG-RIDDEN STREETS OF BALI: Today Tonight reporter Chris Allen took to the streets of Bali and found it possible to buy a smorgasbord of illegal narcotics from dealers. On one night with a hidden camera it took just minutes to be offered more illegal drugs than most Aussies could see in a lifetime. Grams of heroin, ecstacy and more were handed out like pieces of candy. The dealers were even prepared to bargain for their drugs, discounting prices for bulk amounts. Aussies travelling through this holiday destination confirmed the suggestion that the dealers appeared to target them, with one confirming she was offered 'everything' on the streets. "They practically put it in your hands before you realise what it is," said another. "We have 'Charlie', speed, marijuana, hashish, what you like, anything you want is black market," spruiked one dealer. For Schapelle Corby, the reality of the Bali drug trade became her nightmare. She was arrested at Bali airport with four kilograms of marijuana in her luggage. Now the 27-year-old could be facing the death penalty for drug-smuggling. While Schapelle Corby sweats it out in a Bali jail, other Aussies were left wondering if they could be targeted by Indonesian authorities keen to make an example of foreigners. Australian Criminologist Dr Paul Wilson, studied Indonesia's drug scene and said evidence suggested police and dealers do target unsuspecting tourists. "There's no doubt that the Indonesian Criminal justice system is pretty corrupt," said Dr Wilson. He outlined a chilling scenario. "One scenario is a Westerner is approached by someone selling drugs, he or she may be stupid enough to accept the deal," said Dr Wilson. "Police arrive and they are told in no certain terms unless money is paid they will be charged with what is a very serious offence that will lead to the death penalty." Last year, the number of people arrested on drug charges almost doubled and the number of foreigners arrested was up by about 40 %. Many of those were what they call 'users' here, the kind of Aussies silly enough to buy drugs on the street. (source: Today Tonight - Australia)
