Three British nationals recently found themselves in the throes of a high-stakes drug smuggling case, which could have had dire consequences under Indonesian law. The trio, comprising Lisa Stocker (39), her husband Jon Collyer (38), and Phineas Float (31), were apprehended in February at Bali’s international airport as they attempted to smuggle approximately 994 grams of cocaine disguised within packets of Angel Delight, a popular powdered dessert mix in the UK. This unusual method of concealment drew substantial media attention, not only because of the audacity of their scheme but also due to the severe penalties associated with drug trafficking in Indonesia.
Initially, the three were facing the death penalty, which is one of the harshest sentences for drug-related crimes in the country. However, in a surprising turn of events, a local judge decided they would only serve a 12-month prison sentence. This decision effectively spared them from the horror of capital punishment, which has historically been applied to foreigners convicted of drug offenses in Indonesia, particularly in light of the country’s strict drug laws.
After their arrest, Float was also apprehended a few days later as he was linked to receiving the packages. All three individuals are originally from Hastings and St Leonards in East Sussex, where they were presumably well-known to their community prior to this scandal. Given the 12-month sentence, the trio is likely to be eligible for release as early as early 2026, deducting time already served during the legal proceedings.
Reports indicate that the couple Collyer and Stocker were discovered with 17 packages of cocaine that had a street value estimated at around £300,000. The shocking revelation of the cocaine being concealed in dessert packaging led some media outlets to speculate on the extreme measures the accused took to evade drug detection. It had been reported by the BBC’s partner, CBS, citing the AFP news agency, that those authorities in Bali were aware of this clever concealment and were prepared to enforce the full extent of Indonesia’s laws against drug smuggling.
Indonesia has historically taken a firm stance against drug-related crimes, often issuing severe penalties including lengthy prison terms and, in some instances, executions. However, since a temporary halt on the death penalty was instituted in 2017, the focus has shifted towards imprisonment, although drug traffickers still face intense scrutiny and harsh reprimand from law enforcement. President Prabowo Subianto’s administration has grappled with issues surrounding drug prisoners, attempting to repatriate certain high-profile inmates caught in drug-related scandals back to their home countries.
The British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has been actively involved in this case, stating, “We are supporting three British nationals detained in Indonesia and are in contact with local authorities.” This indicates a diplomatic effort to ensure the trio receives appropriate legal representation and consular support during their detention and subsequent imprisonment.
The case reflects not only the dangers of the international drug trade but also the extreme ramifications that can result from attempting to smuggle narcotics into countries with stringent legal frameworks. As the situation develops, the trio’s community in the UK may well be left grappling with the fallout of this scandal, while Indonesian authorities continue to maintain their stringent stance against drug-related offenses. With the world watching, the story highlights the complexity and consequences of cross-border drug trafficking.
