Indonesian authorities detained a 55-year-old Australian man suspected of drug trafficking as he hid in the bathroom of a private jet preparing to leave Bali. The arrest occurred after officials grew suspicious of his Brazilian passport at Denpasar Airport.
The man, identified by Australian media as Angelo Pandeli, was found in the lavatory after the pilot was ordered to return the aircraft from the runway to the VIP terminal on Saturday. Officials discovered three other passengers in the cabin while Pandeli attempted to conceal himself.
Pandeli, linked to a motorbike gang and the so-called Aussie Cartel, was wanted by Interpol for alleged involvement in smuggling drugs into Australia. He had no record of entry into Indonesia and was traveling on a false Brazilian passport.
Following the arrest, he was deported at the request of the Australian Embassy to face proceedings in Australia. Indonesian immigration authorities have pledged to prevent Bali from serving as a refuge for international criminals.
