DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – The Denpasar District Court has heard a plea from Kateryna Vakarova, a 21-year-old Ukrainian national standing trial over alleged drug smuggling through Bali’s main international airport.
During a court session on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the panel of judges granted the defendant the opportunity to submit a pledoi, or formal defense statement, through her legal counsel from the Denpasar Legal Aid Post of Peradi, led by Putu Kakoi Adi Surya.
The defense requested leniency, arguing that the defendant had admitted her actions and expressed remorse. They also stated that she had behaved politely, honestly, and cooperatively throughout the trial process, which helped ensure smooth court proceedings.
In addition, the defense highlighted her young age, describing her as still being in a productive stage of life and capable of rehabilitation, while assuring the court that she would not repeat the offense.
Previously, Vakarova was formally charged under Indonesian criminal law and faces a 12-year prison demand for her alleged role in smuggling narcotics through Bali’s international gateway. Prosecutors are also seeking a fine of IDR 1 billion, with a substitute six-month prison term if the fine is not paid.
Responding to the plea, public prosecutor I Made Dipa Umbara stated before the court that the prosecution maintains its original demand and asked the judges to uphold the sentence sought.
The case is being heard by a panel of judges chaired by Ni Kadek Kusuma Wardani. Prosecutors allege that the defendant attempted to smuggle nearly two kilograms of Category I narcotics into Bali via I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Tuban, Badung.
According to the indictment, the arrest took place at around 1:00 am WITA on Sunday, August 3, 2025, after a Qatar Airways flight on the Warsaw–Doha–Denpasar route landed at the airport. During an X-ray inspection of the defendant’s luggage, Customs officers identified suspicious items and coordinated with the Bali Provincial Narcotics Agency to conduct an arrest and search.
Authorities reportedly found six packages containing blue-colored powder and liquid substances classified as Category I narcotics, identified as 4-CMC (4-chloromethcathinone), with a total weight of 2,120 grams gross or 1,991.25 grams net. The substance is known to cause hallucinations and paranoia.
During questioning, the defendant claimed she had communicated with an unknown individual through the OLX application using her mobile phone. She stated that she did not know the owner of the drugs and was unaware of who placed the packages in her suitcase. She also told investigators that this was her first time carrying such items and that she was promised a payment of approximately IDR 8 million.
The trial is ongoing, with the court scheduled to hear the prosecution’s formal response to the plea at a later date.