Three British nationals—Jonathan Collyer (38), Lisa Stocker (39), and Phineas Float (31)—are currently facing the death penalty in Indonesia after being charged with smuggling nearly a kilogram of cocaine into Bali. The case has garnered significant international attention due to the severity of the charges and the potential consequences under Indonesia’s strict narcotics laws.
Arrest and Charges
On February 1, 2025, Collyer and Stocker were apprehended at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport after customs officers discovered suspicious items in their luggage during an X-ray screening. The packages, disguised as Angel Delight dessert sachets, were found to contain approximately 993.56 grams of cocaine, valued at around £272,000. Two days later, Float was arrested in a hotel parking lot in Denpasar following a controlled delivery operation set up by the police. Authorities allege that this was the trio’s third attempt at smuggling drugs into Bali, with two previous successful operations.
Legal Proceedings
The three suspects are being tried under Article 113 of Indonesia’s narcotics law, which stipulates that importing or distributing drugs is punishable by death, typically carried out by firing squad. Collyer and Stocker are being tried jointly, while Float is being tried separately. All three appeared in Denpasar District Court, where the charges were read, and the trial was adjourned until June 10, 2025, for witness testimonies. Indonesia does not have a jury system; instead, a panel of three judges will decide the outcome of the case.
Family Reactions
The families of the accused have expressed deep concern and distress over the situation. Julian Collyer, Jonathan’s father, stated, “I’m in deep shock, to be honest. I’m very, very worried as any father or parent would be. I’m concerned about the court case and just very worried.” A family member of Stocker, who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted the impact on her children, saying, “She’s just a mum. Her kids are going to be desperate without her. It doesn’t bear thinking about. I’m so shocked, and I can’t sleep at night thinking …
Behavior in Court
During court appearances, the demeanor of the accused varied. Float was observed smiling and even directed profanities at journalists, displaying a defiant attitude. In contrast, Stocker appeared visibly distressed, and Collyer maintained a more subdued presence. All three are currently detained in Bali’s Kerobokan Prison, known for its harsh conditions. Reports indicate that Float has had altercations with other inmates and has been threatened with isolation in the prison’s notorious “rat cell.”
Indonesia’s Stance on Drug Offenses
Indonesia is known for its stringent drug laws, with approximately 530 individuals, including 96 foreigners, currently on death row for drug-related offenses. While executions have been paused since 2017, the death penalty remains a legal punishment for serious drug crimes. The case of Lindsay Sandiford, a British woman sentenced to death in 2013 for smuggling cocaine into Bali, serves as a precedent. Despite international appeals, her sentence was upheld, and she remains on death row.
International Implications
The arrest and potential sentencing of Collyer, Stocker, and Float have raised concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals under Indonesia’s legal system. While the Indonesian government has, in some cases, repatriated foreign convicts, the severity of the charges in this case may complicate diplomatic efforts. The British government has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the trio’s situation.
The unfolding legal proceedings against Jonathan Collyer, Lisa Stocker, and Phineas Float underscore the risks associated with drug trafficking in countries with strict narcotics laws like Indonesia. As the trial progresses, the international community watches closely, awaiting the court’s decision, which could have profound implications for the accused and broader discussions on drug policy and international law.
