Yuri Bezerra Da Costa received a penalty exceeding prosecutors’ demands after attempting to bring three kilograms of cocaine from Rio de Janeiro through Dubai to Ngurah Rai International Airport.
DENPASAR, Bali — A 25-year-old Brazilian national was sentenced to 18 years in prison and ordered to pay a Rp 1 billion fine on Thursday after being found guilty of smuggling approximately three kilograms of cocaine into Bali.
The verdict, delivered by presiding judge Ni Made Okti Mandiani at the Denpasar District Court, exceeded the 16-year sentence sought by prosecutors. If Da Costa fails to pay the fine, his incarceration will be extended by an additional 190 days.
Da Costa, through his legal counsel Jony Lay, stated that he is “considering” the verdict—a standard procedural response that allows defense teams one week to determine whether to accept the sentence or file an appeal.
The Facts Established at Trial
Court proceedings established that Da Costa arrived at Ngurah Rai International Airport on July 13, 2025, aboard Emirates Airlines flight EK 248. His itinerary originated in Rio de Janeiro, transited through Dubai, and concluded in Denpasar.
Customs officials conducting routine baggage inspection discovered plastic-wrapped packages containing cocaine concealed within his luggage. The total weight was approximately three kilograms.
Da Costa was charged under Article 610 paragraph (2)(a) of the 2026 Criminal Code Adjustment, which governs narcotics offenses. Prosecutors presented evidence including the seized narcotics, travel documentation, and customs inspection records. The defense did not contest the factual basis of the charge but argued for mitigation.
Understanding the Legal Response
The Indonesian legal term pikir-pikir—literally “to think it over”—describes the deliberation period granted to defendants following a verdict. During this window, defense counsel assesses the judgment, consults with their client, and decides whether to accept the sentence or file an appeal to the High Court.
This procedural step is distinct from the verdict itself and does not indicate either acceptance or rejection of the court’s decision. Da Costa remains in detention during this period.
Sentencing Considerations
The court’s 18-year sentence exceeded the 16-year term requested by Public Prosecutor Ni Luh Wayan Adhi Antari, though the financial penalty was reduced from the Rp 2 billion sought by prosecutors.
Indonesian narcotics law establishes severe penalties for drug trafficking offenses, with sentences calibrated primarily to the type and quantity of narcotics involved. Three kilograms of cocaine falls within the range that routinely attracts substantial prison terms. Foreign nationality is neither an aggravating nor mitigating factor under Indonesian sentencing guidelines; courts apply the same legal standards regardless of citizenship.
Patterns in International Courier Cases
Law enforcement officials have observed that couriers transporting significant quantities of narcotics through multiple transit hubs—Da Costa’s route connected South America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia—frequently operate within organized smuggling networks. However, no evidence regarding Da Costa’s alleged associations or recruiters was presented during trial. The defendant did not name any co-conspirators, and the court’s verdict addressed only his individual culpability.
Operational Implications for International Travelers
Ngurah Rai International Airport processes millions of international arrivals annually. Its customs inspection unit has demonstrated increasing proficiency in detecting concealed narcotics, contributing to multiple high-profile smuggling prosecutions in recent years.
Indonesian drug enforcement follows statutory guidelines with limited judicial discretion. Sentencing outcomes, while subject to appeal, are broadly predictable based on narcotics type and quantity. Legal representation with specific expertise in Indonesian narcotics law is available to foreign defendants, though jurisdictional constraints limit defense strategies.
Current Status
Da Costa remains in detention while his legal team evaluates whether to appeal. The Denpasar District Court’s judgment will become final if no appeal is filed within the prescribed one-week deliberation period, or if the High Court affirms the verdict following appellate review.
The defendant, who stands approximately two meters tall and was visibly distinguishable among passengers, has been the subject of sustained Indonesian media attention since his arrest. His height has no legal relevance to the charges or sentencing but has featured prominently in public reporting on the case.
Case Reference
Denpasar District Court Decision No. 1234/Pid.Sus/2026/PN Dps. Article 610 paragraph (2)(a) of Law No. 1 of 2026 concerning Criminal Code Adjustments.
