Australian man Lamar Aaron Ahchee could face death penalty as lawyer claims $1.1 million Bali drug bust was a set-up

An Australian man could face a death sentence after allegedly trying to smuggle 1.8kg of cocaine into Bali.

Lamar Aaron Ahchee, 43, was arrested last Thursday at an apartment in Tibubeneng, North Kuta, after police intercepted two packages containing the drug.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Aussie arrested in Bali cocaine bust.

If found guilty, the Cairns local could face the death sentence.

Bali Police Chief General Daniel Adityajaya said that police were first made aware in April of two packages that allegedly contained drugs being sent to a post office.

Ahchee had allegedly asked a motorbike taxi driver to collect the package from the post office.

Police seized the cocaine totalling 1.8kg, before also finding digital scales and mobile phones in Ahchee’s home.

Ahchee, the son of a former Queensland police officer, was seen in footage shared with 7NEWS being led handcuffed in an orange jumpsuit and a ski mask covering his face.

He has been charged with three drug offences, including importing drugs, which carries a maximum death sentence.

However, Ahchee’s legal team is now suggesting he may have been set up.

“He’s very upset and stressed,” his lawyer Edward Pangkahlia told 7NEWS.

Pangkahlia claimed that someone else was behind the drug deal and said he wants the police to track down the person who allegedly incited his client.

“If we can get this guy, we will find out the whole story here,” he said.

Indonesian authorities have not confirmed whether they are investigating other suspects.

It is alleged the Australian national does not know the owner of the drugs and was given orders from someone called “Boss” to receive the package and distribute it in exchange for $4745.

Bali officials say the cocaine is estimated to be worth $12 billion Indonesian rupiah ($A1.14 million).

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to a man detained in Bali but would not comment further due to “privacy obligations”.

According to Ahchee’s LinkedIn profile, he previously held senior marketing roles in both Bali and Sydney and also held a public relations position with Australian airline Qantas between September 2011 and March 2012.

He lists his last position as general manager of Brick Lane Bali, a restaurant in Canggu.

In March 2024, he described it as a “cutting edge venue design”, and announced he was departing in October of that year.

“As I step away from general manager at Brick Lane to embark on new adventures, I want to take a moment to reflect on this incredible journey,” he said.

“From a slab of concrete to conceptualising a new vision, redesigning, and eventually transforming this space into a true spaceship, it’s been a ride that I will always be proud of.

“Wishing Brick Lane continued success, growth, and endless possibilities in the future, to building more unforgettable memories, and perfect island days.”

Also in March 2024, he revealed his partner was “moving to Bali”, and spoke glowingly of her “wittiness, beauty and charm”.

“No person is sent to you by accident, the universe fights for certain souls to find one another. Trust me, I’m 42,” he posted on Facebook.

“I love you and I can’t wait for your life with me in Bali.”

Indonesia’s zero tolerance approach to drugs

Bali takes a zero-tolerance approach to drug-related criminal activity.

Penalties can range from big fines to life in prison, or even execution.

The Australian’s arrest comes six months after the remaining members of the Bali 9 were returned home on a top-secret Jetstar flight.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had personally appealed to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for convicted drug smugglers Scott Rush, Matthew Norman, Michael Czugaj, Martin Stephens and Si Yi Chen to be repatriated.

Another member of the Bali Nine, Renae Lawrence, was released from prison in 2018, while Tan Duc Than Nguyen died of stomach cancer in prison the same year.

Two of the group’s ringleaders, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were executed in 2015.