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Drugs
AsiaSoutheast Asia

‘Bali Nine’ drug smuggler Renae Lawrence to be released after 13 years in Indonesian jail

  • Lawrence, 41, was arrested in 2005 after being caught with 2.6 kilograms of heroin strapped to her body at Bali’s international airport
  • The Australian national will become the only member of the so-called Bali Nine drug-trafficking gang to win their freedom so far

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Renae Lawrence has been imprisoned in Indonesia since her arrest for smuggling heroin in 2005. Photo: AFP
Agence France-Presse

The only female member of the “Bali Nine” heroin-trafficking gang will be freed from an Indonesian prison next week after serving 13 years in a case that caused a diplomatic furore.

Australian Renae Lawrence, 41, was arrested in 2005 after being caught with 2.6 kilograms of heroin strapped to her body as she tried to fly out of the international airport on the holiday island of Bali.

Lawrence was sentenced to life imprisonment, but her sentence was later reduced to 20 years and then further reduced due to good behaviour.

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Indonesia has some of the world’s strictest drug laws, including the death penalty. Photo: AFP
Indonesia has some of the world’s strictest drug laws, including the death penalty. Photo: AFP

“She will be released on November 21,” said Made Suwendra, head of the Bangli prison on Bali where Lawrence is being held.

(Lawrence) is a nice person … There have been no problems since she’s been here
Made Suwendra, head of Bangli prison

“(Lawrence) is a nice person. Accommodating, easy to work with and be friends with. There have been no problems since she’s been here.”

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