British Trio Faces Death by Firing Squad for Bali Cocaine Smuggling

In a chilling turn of events, three British nationals are staring down the barrel of a potential death sentence by firing squad in Indonesia. Jonathan Christopher Collyer, 28, Lisa Ellen Stocker, 29, and Phineas Ambrose Float, 31, were nabbed in Bali for allegedly smuggling nearly a kilogram of cocaine—over two pounds—into the island paradise. This isn’t a small-time hustle; the drugs, cleverly disguised as Angel Delight dessert mix, were worth a staggering 6 billion rupiah, or about $368,000.

The drama unfolded on February 1 when Collyer and Stocker were caught at Bali’s airport with suspicious packages in their luggage. A lab test confirmed the powder wasn’t for baking—it was pure cocaine. Two days later, Float was ensnared in a sting operation, allegedly receiving the drugs in a hotel parking lot in Denpasar. Prosecutors revealed the trio had pulled off this dangerous game twice before, only to be tripped up on their third attempt.

Indonesia doesn’t mess around with drug trafficking. The country’s strict laws mean these three could face the ultimate penalty if convicted. With 530 people currently on death row—96 of them foreigners, mostly for drug crimes—this case is a stark reminder of the high stakes in Bali’s underbelly. The trial has been adjourned until June 10, when witnesses will take the stand. Until then, the tension hangs heavy.

What’s striking here is the audacity of smuggling through a nation known for its iron fist on drugs. Indonesia remains a hotbed for international syndicates targeting its young population, despite the risk of a firing squad. For these Brits, the dream of quick cash might just turn into a nightmare with no escape.