Russian tourist to be jailed for 11 years in Indonesia

Russian citizen Alexander Simonov is likely to be sentenced to 11 years in prison on the Indonesian island of Bali. The Russian may serve such a term on charges of drug smuggling.

Russian tourist to be jailed for 11 years in Indonesia. 48146.jpeg

In addition to the prison sentence, the prosecutor asks the court to make Simonov pay the fine of $104,000. According to NTV, the prosecutor stated at the first court hearing in Bali's Denpasar District that the Russian "caused damage to the reputation of the island as a tourist destination."

The 30-year-old yoga instructor Alexander Simonov was arrested on 24 April at Ngurah Rai airport of the Indonesian island of Bali, where he arrived on a flight from Malaysia, Vesti.ru says. The man was accused of the delivery of 88 capsules containing 786 grams of a strong synthetic drug - crystal meth.

To pass through the customs, prosecutors claim, Simonov swallowed the capsules. "If the drug had not been not detected at the security check, tens of thousands of people would have used it," the prosecutor said.

According to investigators, the Russian bought the drug in India, having paid about $1,500 for the whole batch. In Indonesia, he planned to get 50,000 dollars for his goods, adds KM.ru.

It should be added that Indonesia has very strict drug laws. Those who bring  large batches of drugs to the country usually face  capital punishment. Over 60 foreign nationals await their execution in the country's prisons for drug-related crimes.