Tengrinews.kz – Two Kazakh citizens have been detained in Indonesia on suspicion of committing a criminal offense related to illegal drug trafficking, according to the press service of Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Indonesian law enforcement, a pre-trial investigation is currently being conducted by the competent authorities. Further details have not been disclosed due to the ongoing investigation.
"The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Jakarta is maintaining contact with the investigative authorities and the families of the accused. The matter is under the supervision of Kazakh diplomats," the statement said.
Earlier, Indonesian media reported that a U.S. citizen and two Kazakh nationals were detained on the popular resort island of Bali for alleged drug-related crimes.
The Kazakh citizens were arrested in April of this year, with around 49 grams of crystal methamphetamine found in their possession. They were charged with drug distribution, a crime that may be punishable by death.
In Indonesia, the death penalty is prescribed for possession and trafficking of illegal drugs. The maximum penalty of life imprisonment can be imposed if the quantity exceeds one kilogram for unprocessed drugs like marijuana or five grams for processed drugs like heroin and cocaine.