Two Britons Jailed in Bali Over Cocaine Smuggling Plot

Pair Avoid Death Penalty but Face 20 Years Behind Bars

Two British men have been sentenced to a combined 20 years in prison after being convicted of smuggling cocaine into Bali, narrowly avoiding the death penalty under Indonesia’s strict drug laws.

Kial Garth Robinson, 29, from Chichester, was handed an 11-year sentence, while Piran Ezra Wilkinson, 48, received nine years. Both were also fined the equivalent of roughly £45,000 or face an additional 190 days in jail.

Arrest at Bali Airport With 1.3kg of Cocaine

Robinson, a landscape gardener, was arrested on 3 September 2025 at Bali’s international airport after customs officers discovered 1.3 kilograms of cocaine in his luggage, prosecutors said.

He had been charged with drug trafficking, importation and possession — offences that can carry the death penalty in Indonesia.

The case was heard at Denpasar District Court, where Robinson was previously seen arriving in orange prison overalls, making hand gestures to photographers.

‘Trapped in a Syndicate Scenario’

Both men told authorities that Robinson had been recruited into the scheme by a man identified as “Santos,” who allegedly instructed him to transport the drugs from Barcelona to Bali. Prosecutors said Robinson received $3,000 to fund flights and expenses, with plans to travel onward to Thailand after delivering the narcotics.

Robinson’s lawyer, Robert Khuana, said his client accepted the sentence and claimed he had been “trapped in a syndicate scenario.” Wilkinson’s legal team also said their client accepted the ruling and viewed it as a lesson.

Indonesia’s Harsh Drug Laws

Indonesia has some of the toughest drug trafficking penalties in the world, including capital punishment by firing squad. While executions for drug offences have not been carried out since 2016, the threat remains in place.

The sentences underscore the severe consequences facing foreign nationals caught smuggling narcotics into the country, particularly in tourist destinations such as Bali.

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Horse manure for brains. Didn't they learn anything from the Bali 9?

Shame , they seem nice lads !

3 hours ago, Jim Blue said:

Shame , they seem nice lads !

Ted Bundy also looked like a smart guy ☹️

17 hours ago, bannork said:

Horse manure for brains. Didn't they learn anything from the Bali 9?

Just proofs that even the hardest sentences can't stop greedy smugglers.

1.3 kg of cocaine.

Would it have been heroin they would walk on death row.