The sister of Lamar Ahchee, an Australian man facing drug charges in Bali, recounted her shock upon learning of his arrest. Ahchee, 42, was detained in May after Indonesian police intercepted two packages containing 1.7 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately $1.1 million, delivered to his apartment in Tibubeneng, North Kuta. The drugs were hidden in over 200 Lindt chocolate wrappers.

"You're shocked," said Stephanie Ahchee, his sister. "Everything starts playing over in your mind, the circumstances in Bali and what the outcomes have been and what it could be. We were crying; for Mum, it was so shocking."

Lamar Ahchee has been charged with multiple drug offenses, the most serious of which carries a potential death penalty. Following his arrest, he was publicly displayed in an orange jumpsuit and black hood, positioned next to the seized cocaine. "Seeing him all over the news with the balaclava on was devastating," Stephanie Ahchee said. "My mum collapsed."

During the trial, Ahchee denied any knowledge of the cocaine, claiming he was merely doing a favor for a friend. No other individuals have been charged in connection with the case. The Bali District Court is set to announce its verdict on November 20.

Reflecting on the possibility of her brother receiving the death penalty, Stephanie Ahchee expressed her devastation. "He's not only my brother, he's an uncle, he's a son, a nephew. There's so many people that love him. I have so much respect for Bali and the legal process. I understand they're protecting their country. He's such a good person."

On Tuesday, Ahchee testified in court, and his family embraced him as he returned to Kerobokan prison. "I understand the seriousness of my situation and am cooperating fully with the legal process," he stated through his lawyers. "I'm deeply sorry for the pain this has caused my loved ones, and I'm focusing on personal change and rehabilitation."

Experts suggest that if Ahchee is found guilty, a death sentence is unlikely, and even if imposed, execution may not occur. The death penalty in Indonesia has faced significant criticism, particularly following the executions of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran in 2015. The last executions in Indonesia took place in 2016.

Maidina Rahmawati, deputy director at the Institute for Criminal Justice Reform, noted that a new criminal code will take effect in January, introducing a 10-year waiting period for death sentences. "After those 10 years, the inmate's sentence will be reviewed to determine whether it should be changed to life imprisonment, based on their rehabilitation progress and good behavior," she explained.

Additionally, foreign nationals on death row have been repatriated. Recently, authorities announced that Lindsay Sandiford, a British woman sentenced to death for drug offenses, would be spared execution and sent back to the UK.

Asfinawati, a lawyer and human rights advocate, observed that foreign nationals have been receiving lighter sentences for drug crimes in recent years. "For example, there was a case where a foreign national made cocaine and the prosecutor only asked for a bit over one year," she said. In contrast, an Indonesian could face four to five years for drug use.

Stephanie Ahchee expressed disappointment with the Australian Consulate's response to her brother's situation. "You don't get assistance; the legal cost is all on you," she said. "We have felt let down, even a simple bit of guidance as to where to go as a family."

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that consular assistance is being provided but could not comment further due to privacy obligations.

As the sentencing date approaches, Ahchee's family remains hopeful. "You wake up, you think of him," Stephanie Ahchee said. "In the first month, you can't eat because he's in jail… you feel bad to sleep on a pillow. Anytime anxiety creeps up or fear, I always just bring it back to God."