Perth Teen Held In Bali Jail Cell Over Suspected Possession Of Drugs

Jamie Murphy, an 18-year-old Perth teenager, has spent his first night in a Kuta police cell in Bali after being detained under suspicions of drug possession.

The ABC reports it’s likely to be the first of many nights in detention for Jamie Murphy, after security guards at a nightclub found a small bag of white powder in his bum bag after 1:00am (local time) on Tuesday.

The substance in question is suspected to be cocaine.

Footage has emerged of Mr Murphy’s arrest, showing the distraught teen denying the powder belongs to him. Nine News Australia has since released the footage.

Ario Seno Wimoko, the police head of Criminal investigation in Kuta, said they are currently investigating Mr Murphy’s case. “We have not yet dubbed him as a perpetrator,” Mr Wimoko said.

Police plan to test the substance and also evaluate blood and urine samples taken from Mr Murphy. If any results come back positive, he will face jail time.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told Channel Nine the teenager could be held for three days while the investigation takes place, and a further three days pending their decision.

She also warned other young Australians travelling to Indonesia that “the laws can be very harsh for offences or activities in Australia that might seem minor.”

Last year, a 26-year-old Australian man was jailed for 12 months for possessing one joint of cannabis, and in 2011 a 14-year-old Australian boy spent two months in detention after being caught with a small about of hashish.

Gerry Maio, head of Perth's Bayswater City Soccer Club, where Mr Murphy is a member, described the situation as tragic. Saying Mr Murphy was a "wonderful young man... I hadn't even seen him with a bottle of beer in his hand."

His friends have visited him in detention already, and it's believed Mr Murphy's family will arrive in Bali today.

Photo: Channel 9