Teen Could Face Death By Firing Squad For Allegedly Smuggling Drugs Into Bali

A Brazilian teen accused of smuggling drugs into Indonesia could receive the death penalty, according to reports.

Around 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) of cocaine was found in the luggage of Manuela Vitoria de Araujo Farias after she landed on the holiday island of Bali on Jan. 27, News.com.au reported.

The 19-year-old, who had flown in from Brazil via Qatar, planned to visit temples where monks pray for the sick since her mother recently suffered a stroke, her lawyer claimed.

However, a gang had allegedly tricked Farias into importing the cocaine.

Farias was arrested at Bali International airport on the same day the drugs were found in her luggage, the Daily Mail reported.

She could face death by firing squad over the smuggling allegations.

Narcotics laws in Indonesia are strict, and those convicted of trafficking drugs normally get anywhere from a five-year prison sentence to the death penalty.

The country imposed 89 death sentences for drug-related offenses in 2021, the most confirmed sentences of any nation, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit.

Brazilian police have refused to discuss the status of the investigation into the alleged criminals who gave Farias the cocaine.

Farias' arrest came days after an Australian tourist who smuggled drugs hidden inside his anus into Bali narrowly avoided the death penalty.

Surfing and diving instructor Jeffrey Welton, 52, was arrested at Bali International Airport last September after he was found smuggling 8 grams (0.28 ounces) of heroin and 0.34 grams of meth (0.012 ounces) or methamphetamine.

He was recently sentenced to eight months in a rehabilitation center instead of facing a firing squad.

Welton's lawyers successfully convinced three judges Tuesday to treat him as an addict rather than a drug smuggler.

In addition to drug smuggling, drug possession and banned activities such as smoking in a public place and gambling can lead to jail time in Indonesia, according to the Australian government website Smart Traveller.

Cannabis-based products are banned in Indonesia, even for medical purposes.

"A medical prescription does not make it legal. If you take such products to Indonesia or purchase or use them in Indonesia, you can be arrested and face imprisonment, fines, deportation or the death penalty," Smart Traveler warned.