DENPASAR, BALI, INDONESIA – August 2, 2024 – An american citizen, Vinson Molyneaux, 27, of Brooksville, Florida, is currently undergoing trial in Bali, Indonesia, after being arrested on May 23rd for alleged possession of adderall, a prescription stimulant illegal in the country. The case highlights the severe penalties faced by individuals bringing prescription medications into Indonesia,even with legitimate medical needs.
According to Prosecutor I Made Dipa Umbara of the Denpasar District Court, Molyneaux was apprehended after authorities received a tip regarding a suspicious package mailed from London addressed to him near Kuta beach. A subsequent search by Bali’s Narcotic Agency revealed 99 Adderall pills, weighing 1.86 grams of amphetamine, concealed within seven silver medicine boxes.
Molyneaux admitted to purchasing the Adderall online via the dark web using Monero cryptocurrency, spending approximately $250 while on vacation in Bali. He stated he uses the medication to manage diagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). however, Umbara emphasized that Indonesian law makes no exceptions for ADHD medications containing amphetamines.
The charges against Molyneaux include drug importation, which carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment adn a fine of 10 billion Indonesian Rupiah (approximately $609,980 USD as of August 2, 2024). The case is being heard in the Denpasar District Court, with the next hearing scheduled for August 12th, focusing on witness testimony.
on July 9th, Molyneaux was transferred from a detention center to a rehabilitation facility following the submission of a medical statement from his U.S.-based physician confirming his ADHD diagnosis and the need for continued treatment. The rehabilitation center is located within the Bali province, but its specific name has not been publicly released.
Indonesia maintains exceptionally strict drug laws, including the possibility of execution by firing squad for convicted drug traffickers. Data from the ministry of Immigration and Corrections indicates approximately 530 individuals are currently on death row in Indonesia, with 96 of those being foreign nationals. The last executions occured in July 2016, involving one Indonesian citizen and three foreign nationals. The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration reported a 25% increase in foreign nationals arrested for drug-related offenses in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
Context: Traveling with Medication in Indonesia
Indonesia’s stringent drug regulations pose meaningful risks for travelers requiring prescription medications. Importing even commonly prescribed drugs, including those containing controlled substances like amphetamines, can result in severe legal consequences. Travelers are advised to thoroughly research Indonesian drug laws and regulations before traveling and to consult with the Indonesian embassy or consulate in their home country regarding the legality of their medications. Generally, bringing prescription medication requires a permit from the Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) and a letter from a physician. Failure to comply can lead to arrest, detention, and lengthy legal proceedings.
