Pubdate: Sun, 28 Aug 2005
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia Web)
Copyright: 2005 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Website: http://www.abc.net.au/

DOWNER BACKS BALI DRUGS CRACKDOWN

Australian tourists have been warned that police in Bali are about to step
up their campaign against illegal drug taking.

Partygoers on the holiday island will be subjected to random drug tests as
part of a nationwide crackdown on gambling, drugs and prostitution.

The announcement comes as Michelle Leslie, the Australian model arrested for
allegedly possessing two ecstasy pills in Bali, waits for police to finalise
her case.

Drug taking by tourists in Bali is not new but after a string of high
profile arrests Indonesian authorities have had enough.

The local drug squad chief, Bambang Sugiarto, says it is time to take a
hardline approach to those who flout the law.

In the past, police conducted urine tests only on nightclub patrons found
carrying drugs but that policy has now been widened.

"We don't target a specific nationality because in the eyes of the law they
are all the same," he said.

It has the broad support of the Australian Government.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says Australians who get into trouble with
drugs in Indonesia can not expect special treatment.

"The Indonesians are right to crack down on drug use in indonesia and drug
trafficking in Indonesia," he said.

The Government wants a reassurance that there will be appropriate checking
of the tests and that those who test positive can appeal.

But Mr Downer says the message is clear.

"This is just another really a harsh warning to Australians not even to
think of taking drugs into other parts of the world, particularly into
Asia," he said.

"In the end whether you like their laws or whether you don't they are the
laws of those countries.

"It is up to us when we visit those countries to adhere to the laws of those
countries."

Police are expected to finalise their case against 24-year-old Michelle
Leslie in the next few days.

Miss Leslie has sacked her Indonesian lawyer and has hired new counsel with
connections to the family of former Indonesian President Suharto.
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