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Bali Nine member moved from Kerobokan for alleged drug use
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On guard – Police personnel stand guard in front of Kerobokan Penitentiary, Bali, securing the transfer of 63 prisoners to Madiun prison in East Java on Wednesday. Among the 63 prisoners is Australian drug convict Michael William Czugaj, a member of Bali Nine drug ring.
(thejakartapost.com/Zul Trio Anggono)
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ustralian drug convict Michael William Czugaj, a member of the so-called Bali Nine drug smuggling ring, has been moved to Madiun prison in East Java after he was found using drugs inside Kerobokan Penitentiary, Bali, where he was being detained.
Czugaj is one of 63 prisoners moved from Kerobokan early on Wednesday.
“The Australian prisoner was moved [from Kerobokan] as he is heavily addicted to drugs. We often found drugs and cellular phones on him. We transferred him [to Madiun prison] to take him away from his drug-ring connections in Bali,” said Nyoman Putra Surya Atmadja, head of the correctional division at the Bali office of the Law and Human Rights Ministry.
The prisoner transfer on Wednesday was reportedly a response to a riot that occurred in Kerobokan prison last Thursday. The prison officials decided to move all prisoners involved in the riot to prevent other clashes in the future.
Among the 63 prisoners moved from Kerobokan are seven foreign prisoners, comprising Czugaj and six Iranian nationals. They are all serving life sentences.
Apart from the 63 convicts, three defendants detained in Kerobokan were moved to Tabanan prison as their trial process is still ongoing.
Putra Surya said Kerobokan prison authorities carried out the prisoner transfer to better manage the prison, which is at overcapacity.
Commenting on Czugaj’s transfer, Putra Surya said the Australian drug convict was moved from Kerobokan because prison guards often found crystal methamphetamine, locally known shabu-shabu, in his cell.
“We have discovered crystal meth on him several times. Only a small amount of drugs, only the residue,” he said.
Meanwhile, the six Iranians were moved because they were often involved in clashes with other prisoners, said Putra Surya. “They often fought with other prisoners, and this is very disturbing. After we transfer them [to Madiun prison], they will be separated again among several prisons,” he said. (ebf)
