An Ohio woman is still detained in Bali, Indonesia – now for over a week – after authorities reportedly discovered marijuana in her luggage upon her arrival in the popular Southeast Asian destination.
Earlier this month, Tyeisha “Tye” Kieonne jetted off to Bali with her stepmother, Abathia Teage, to celebrate the latter’s 50th birthday. However, after landing, Tye was apprehended by Balinese airport customs officials and later transported to a local police station. Abathia claims Tye faces up to 12 years incarcerated abroad if she doesn’t urgently provide “$75,000 to cover [a] lawyer and other associated fees that will allow her to come back home in three months.”
A $75,000 GoFundMe created by a family member shared more details about Tye’s story. It stated, “Studying a country’s culture is CRITICAL when deciding to travel abroad and must be taken serious[ly]. In summary, Tye is not use[d] to international travel and made a decision that is going to cost her a safe return home from Bali, Indonesia.” Furthermore, referring to the vacation gone wrong, the fundraiser said, “This trip is a dream to a nightmare.”
A mother to two daughters and four additional stepchildren, the Ohio woman is described as a passionate person who’s “devoted her life to kids in every way she could try (cheer coach, cheer team CEO, tumbling instructor, after-school program operator, summer program operator).”
What Else Is There To Know About The Case?
According to The Grio, Tye said in a now-deleted April 24 Facebook post, “I made a mistake not researching and took the wrong thing in my suitcase to Bali.”
“I was arrested, and I can’t come home until I pay $75,000!!! And I only have till Monday to pay $30,000 of it, or I will be stuck over here 4+ years,” she allegedly shared, also adding, “If I get the money, I can do rehab here for 3 months and come home!!! Please Please Please!!!! I’m begging y’all to get me home to my babies!!!!”
The publication additionally reported that Abathia claimed she and Tye were initially detained after Balinese customs officers found cannabis in Tye’s luggage.
What Travelers Need To Know About Contraband And Being Detained Abroad
Being detained by local authorities abroad can happen to any traveler caught up in a sticky or compromising situation. Some may recall that back in 2022, WNBA star player Brittney Griner was detained, tried, convicted, and imprisoned in Russia for months before she was eventually returned to the U.S. Late last year, the basketball champion launched a travel membership company designed to inform and protect those traveling internationally with prescription medication.
Traveling to a country with contraband subjects you to that destination’s laws and legal system. The U.S. State Department plainly states: “U.S. citizens must follow local laws abroad. If you break laws in another country – even by mistake – you could be deported, fined, or imprisoned. You may also be prosecuted in the United States for some crimes committed abroad, regardless of foreign local law.”
The State Department additionally shares advice and information about safely traveling abroad with medications, and which drugs are illegal in different places around the globe. Research before your travels should include reading through the U.S. authority’s travel advisory for the destination you’ll be visiting. The “Local laws and customs” and “Health” sections are particularly helpful. It’s also imperative to seek information directly from the authorities in your destination regarding laws and regulations on the possession of drugs and contraband. It’s crucial that you understand what is legally considered contraband across different countries and regions.
If You’re Detained Abroad: What Comes Next
If detained abroad for possession of illegal contraband, what happens to you will be at the discretion of that destination’s laws and authorities. Your access to legal counsel, negotiation options, and the timing of escalation will also depend on the destination. Jail and prison conditions may vary vastly compared to those in the U.S., and you may face difficulties if there’s a language barrier. The average traveler could also find themselves at a financial disadvantage if they need to quickly pay upfront for legal representation, posting bail, etc.
To protect yourself, it’s extremely important to pack your own items and suitcases. Double-check all the pockets of your clothing, pouches, purses, and luggage to ensure you don’t accidentally travel with unapproved items.
If you find yourself in trouble, ask the authorities who’ve detained you if you can contact a U.S. embassy or consulate. The latter two may be able to provide selective support, including helping you contact local English-speaking legal counsel and your family back in the U.S. They can also request on your behalf that you receive any needed medical care.
Meanwhile, if negligence and lawbreaking aren’t the reasons for your detainment abroad, travel insurance may also provide limited support. Depending on your coverage, your policy may reimburse you for financial losses (canceled excursions, missed flights, etc.). Just know that neither consular services nor travel insurance can override local laws and guarantee your release from jail or prison in a destination abroad.
