Still no charges laid against Kiwi drug suspect in Bali

Leeza Tracey Ormsby

Police in Bali may have just five more days to lay charges against a New Zealand drugs suspect, who remains in detention five weeks after a police raid on a luxury villa.

Leeza Ormsby, 37, was arrested with the keys to the villa in north Kuta on February 12.

The Rotorua-born Sydney resident has admitted to possessing a cannabis joint in her handbag, but has vehemently denied any knowledge of drugs, including ecstasy and hashish, which were allegedly found at the villa.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) spokesman said today that Ms Ormsby remained in police custody "as part of an ongoing police investigation''.

The spokesman said the ministry could not comment on the progress of the case or interfere in judicial proceedings.

However, it is thought police in Bali have until next Monday to press charges against Ms Ormsby.

Denpasar drugs squad head Agus Tri Waluyo said last month that police could detain Ms Ormsby for 20 days, and could extend that period by another 20 days.

An extension was sought recently, Australia's Daily Telegraph newspaper reported, which would give police until March 24 to press charges.

The MFAT spokesman said Ms Ormsby was receiving consular assistance from staff at the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta, who have visited her twice in Bali.

"The ministry also remains in regular contact with Ms Ormsby's designated family contact. Neither Ms Ormsby or her family wishes to speak to media and have asked that their privacy be respected.''

Through her lawyer, Ms Ormsby has claimed she only had the keys to the villa to collect her laptop and clothes.

Lawyer Ary B Soenardi told the Daily Telegraph last week that when police got her to sign off on the extension to her detention, they also tried to get her to sign a statement admitting she owned the drugs.

"Police want Leeza to admit the drugs found at the villa, but Leeza has told the investigator that it does not belong to her. She doesn't know about the drugs at all.''

Mr Soenardi told the paper Ms Ormsby did not know where the drugs had come from.

He also released a statement from Ms Ormsby saying: "I want to convey that the drugs were not mine. I have no idea, who had the drugs.''