British Man Pleads for Leniency in Bali Drug Case After Trafficking Charge Dropped

British citizen Thomas Parker who is accused of drug offenses walks to a holding cell after his trial hearing at a district court in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Tuesday, May 20, 2025

A British national, Thomas Parker, is pleading for leniency in an Indonesian court after a serious drug trafficking charge—initially punishable by death—was dropped due to insufficient evidence linking him directly to the offense.

Parker, 32, an electrician from Cumbria, northwest England, was arrested on January 21 near Kuta Beach, Bali, after allegedly receiving a suspicious package from a motorcycle courier. According to court documents, police observed Parker acting nervously during the handover. He reportedly discarded the package and attempted to flee but was later apprehended at the villa where he was staying.

British citizen Thomas Parker who is accused of drug offenses listens to his interpreter during his trial hearing at a district court in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Lab analysis confirmed that the package contained slightly more than a kilogram (2.326 pounds) of MDMA, a synthetic drug commonly known as ecstasy. While Parker was initially charged with drug trafficking—a charge that could carry the death penalty under Indonesia’s strict narcotics laws—investigators later determined the package had not been ordered by him.

The charge was subsequently downgraded to the lesser offense of withholding information from authorities. Prosecutors have recommended a one-year prison sentence.

During trial proceedings, Parker testified that the package was sent by a friend identified only as “Nicky,” a known drug dealer he had met while vacationing in Thailand. Parker claimed he initially refused to accept the delivery but was persuaded after Nicky insisted it was harmless and would soon be picked up by someone else. Parker was not promised any form of compensation for accepting the package, his defense lawyer, Edward Pangkahila, stated.

British citizen Thomas Parker, center, who is accused of drug offenses walks to a holding cell after his trial hearing at a district court in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Tuesday, May 20, 2025

The case remained unreported until March 6, when Parker was publicly presented in handcuffs during a police news conference. Despite the reduced charge, under Indonesia’s legal system, judges retain the authority to consider reinstating more severe charges if warranted by legal interpretation or new evidence.

During his final plea on May 20 at the Denpasar District Court, Parker appeared in court wearing a white shirt and black trousers, visibly emotional as he expressed regret and begged the panel of three judges for compassion.

“I am very sorry and apologize, I know it was a mistake,” he said. “I promise not to repeat it again, because I really didn’t know that (the package) was drugs.”

British citizen Thomas Parker who is accused of drug offenses sits on the defendant's chair before the start of his trial hearing at a district court in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Presiding Judge Gusti Ayu Akhirnyani adjourned the case until May 27, when the verdict will be delivered.

Pangkahila emphasized that prosecutors had failed to prove Parker had any ties to drug trafficking networks and reaffirmed his client’s innocence regarding the original trafficking accusation. He added that Parker has been struggling with anxiety and depression during the trial process.

Indonesia enforces some of the strictest drug laws in the world. Over 530 people are currently on death row for drug-related offenses, including 96 foreign nationals. The country’s last executions, involving both locals and foreigners, occurred in July 2016.