Bali drug trial today

Territorian Christopher Currall’s bid to prove his innocence on drugs charges begins today in Bali when his trial for possessing ephedrine tablets starts in the Denpasar District Court.

Mr Currall is the first of several Australians in Bali jails – all of whom spent Christmas behind bars – to go to court. The court cases of Schapelle Corby on drugs charges and champion sailor Christopher Packer, who faces weapons violations, are also due to start soon.

Mr Currall, a 37-year-old father of four, faces a maximum 15 years’ jail if he is convicted of trying to send more than 50,000 tablets of ephedrine from Bali to Darwin. He maintains his innocence.

Today, prosecutors will spell out the indictment in an opening address, alleging that Mr Currall is guilty of violating Indonesia’s health laws.

The case will be heard by three judges. Under Indonesian law, which is based on the Dutch inquisitorial system, there is no jury and a panel of judges decides guilt or innocence.

Prosecutors will allege that by having possession of so many ephedrine tablets without the necessary health department permission or documentation he is guilty of the charges under health laws.

Ephedrine can be used to make amphetamines or speed and the tablet itself is not a narcotic in Indonesia but possession of large quantities requires the proper permit.

They will allege that in September last year Mr Currall was arrested at a Bali freight company trying to send a wooden crate to Darwin. The crate contained a large flower pot, inside which they say six water bottles containing almost 54,000 tablets of ephedrine were hidden.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 31st January 2005
Source: Northern Territory News
Author: Cindy Wockner
Website: http://www.ntnews.com.au
Email: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Copyright: 2005 Northern Territory News