A 47-year-old Portuguese woman was arrested at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali on June 20 after aviation security discovered 50 .22 caliber Long Rifle bullets in her backpack without proper documentation. The incident occurred at a departure checkpoint as she prepared to fly to Abu Dhabi.
Why was the Portuguese woman arrested?
Aviation Security (Avsec) personnel detected the ammunition during routine X-ray screening of her backpack. The bullets were found inside a box wrapped in white tissue, hidden in a pocket. According to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport Police spokesman Second Insp. I Gede Suka Artana, the woman admitted ownership but claimed she was unaware the ammunition remained in her bag after traveling from Portugal.
She acknowledged she lacked valid permits for transporting ammunition in Indonesia, as required by local law. Police seized the 50 bullets, the box, and the backpack as evidence.
What are the legal consequences?
The suspect will face charges under Article 306 of Indonesia’s 2023 Criminal Code, which prohibits the illegal possession, storage, or transportation of firearms, ammunition, explosives, or other dangerous goods. If convicted, she could receive a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Police have coordinated with the Portuguese Consulate in Bali and are reviewing witness statements and CCTV footage to support their investigation.
What happens next?
Further investigation is underway, including the analysis of evidence and witness testimonies. A possible next step could be formal charges being filed against the suspect, followed by a court hearing. The Portuguese Consulate may also provide consular assistance to the woman during legal proceedings.
Airport authorities have issued a reminder to all passengers to verify their belongings comply with aviation and local laws before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was the ammunition considered illegal?
A: The woman did not possess valid permits for transporting ammunition within Indonesia, as required by local regulations.
Q: Could this incident lead to stricter airport security?
A: While the case highlights the need for vigilance, there is no indication that new policies will be introduced beyond existing protocols.
Q: What type of ammunition was found?
A: The ammunition consisted of 50 .22 caliber Long Rifle bullets, commonly used in sport shooting and small-game hunting.
Have you ever encountered unexpected restrictions while traveling with personal items? Share your experiences in the comments.
