Aust man held in Bali over drug possession

An Australian man detained in Bali after he was allegedly found with a small amount of marijuana and antidepressant pills is receiving assistance from the federal government.

Joshua James Baker, 32, allegedly spent 10 hours on the run after Indonesian customs officials found the drugs in his luggage on Sunday with police eventually catching up with him in the tourist resort of Kuta.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said it was providing consular assistance to an Australian man detained in Bali.

News Corp Australia reported customs officers allegedly found 36 grams of marijuana and 37 Diazepam antidepressant pills in Mr Baker's luggage when it was X-rayed after he flew into Bali from Thailand.

They published supplied photos appearing to show Mr Baker in custody alongside the drugs that were found.

A photo of his passport lists Mount Isa in Queensland as his place of birth.

A police source told News Corp Australia Mr Baker fled a police hospital after asking to visit the toilet on Sunday, but was later arrested at a hotel in Kuta.

Indonesia has strong anti-drugs laws, with jail terms for even a small amount of marijuana.