Aussie arrested in Bali over marijuana and anti-depressants

A Queensland man has been detained in Bali after a small amount of marijuana and anti-depressants were allegedly found in his luggage.

Joshua James Baker, whose passport lists Mt Isa as his place of birth, is in police custody.

The 32-year-old allegedly escaped custody for 10 hours on Monday before being rearrested.

An unnamed police source says Mr Baker dodged Bali authorities when he was taken to a police hospital after complaining he was feeling unwell.

He escaped when asked if he could use the bathroom. Mr Baker was later arrested at a Kuta hotel.

The Queenslander was first taken into custody on Sunday when Bali customs officers became suspicious of his luggage as it went through airport security.

After searching his bags, officers found 36 grams of marijuana mixed with tobacco and 37 Diazepam pills.

“He went through the Customs like other passengers. We felt suspicious when his luggage passed through the custom’s X-Ray. When we checked, we found the drugs inside his bag,” Ngurah Rai Customs and Excise chief Budi Harjanto said.

Mr Harjanto said Mr Baker had told officials he was travelling to Bali for a holiday.

“The Australian was coming for a holiday, but he brought pills. It’s like an anti-depressant pill but we are still investigating. We will check it in the laboratory,” he said.

He added that police are yet to officially interview Mr Baker.

Indonesia has a strong stance against drugs, with harsh laws resulting in jail time for even small qualities.