Kial Robinson and Piran Ezra Wilkinson Face Death Penalty in Bali Drug Smuggling Case

Bali, September 9, 2025 — Two British men, Kial Robinson (29) and Piran Ezra Wilkinson (48), have appeared in court in Indonesia after being accused of attempting to smuggle cocaine into the country. The men, both from Chichester, West Sussex, were arrested last week by Bali’s Narcotic Agency.

If convicted, they could face life imprisonment or the death penalty by firing squad, as Indonesia enforces some of the world’s toughest drug laws.

Arrest at Bali Airport

Robinson, who runs a landscape gardening business, was stopped at Ngurah Rai International Airport on September 3. He had flown from Barcelona via Turkish Airlines. Security officers allegedly discovered 1.3 kilograms of cocaine hidden in his rucksack during routine checks.

Second Arrest in Villa Raid

Just hours later, Wilkinson, a property manager, was arrested during a police raid at a villa in Bali on September 4. Authorities suspect both men were connected in an attempt to smuggle drugs into the popular tourist destination.

Bali Narcotics Agency spokesperson Made Dwi Saputra confirmed that two British nationals had been detained but did not reveal their names officially. He said a press release and evidence destruction ceremony will be held soon.

British Government Response

The UK Foreign Office has acknowledged the arrests and confirmed consular support is being provided.
A spokesperson stated: “We have been made aware of two British nationals detained in Bali. We continue to provide support and remain in contact with the local authorities.”

Other British Cases in Bali

This is not the first time British nationals have been caught in drug smuggling cases in Indonesia. Earlier in 2025, three Britons were jailed for trying to smuggle cocaine disguised in Angel Delight packets. They received one-year prison terms.

Another Briton, Thomas Parker, avoided the death penalty after being accused of smuggling MDMA. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison for withholding information about the shipment.

In a past case, Andrea Waldeck, a former police officer, served nearly 10 years in prison for smuggling drugs before she died suddenly in custody last year.

Indonesia’s Harsh Drug Laws

Indonesia has a zero-tolerance policy on narcotics. The last executions for drug smuggling were carried out in 2016, when an Indonesian and three Nigerian nationals were executed by firing squad.

According to Amnesty International, nearly 90% of prisoners on death row in Indonesia are there for drug-related offences. As of November last year, 96 foreign nationals were facing execution for narcotics charges.

Robinson and Wilkinson now await the court’s decision, which could determine whether they face life behind bars or the death penalty.