South Australian man Troy Smith is being held in a cell with 12 other inmates after being charged with drug offenses in Bali, 7NEWS understands.
The 49-year-old Port Lincoln, father of two was arrested on the Indonesian island last month when police raided his hotel room.
He is charged with drug possession and drug trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of life in Indonesia.
Smith has hired ex-policeman-turned-private consultant John McLeod to conduct his own investigation and offer advice on working with local authorities.
McLeod has previously supported high-profile Australians convicted of drug offenses in Bali, such as Chappelle Corby and Brendan Luke Johnson.
7NEWS understands that while in custody, Smith sleeps on a concrete floor and shares a room with 12 other inmates at the Denpasar police headquarters.
He was given a bucket to use as a toilet.
On Monday night, the 49-year-old man was filmed being taken to a hospital in Denpasar after complaining of back pain, which is not believed to be serious.
Despite being an Adelaide Crows fan, his only words to the waiting cameras were a shout out to their cross-town rivals Port Adelaide, saying “Go the Power”.
Police allegedly found a package addressed to Smith containing more than 3 grams of methamphetamine, disguised in a tube of toothpaste.
During a search of his hotel, police say they also found a bong and 0.04g of methamphetamine in a sunglasses case.
Smith’s lawyer told the media that the methamphetamine allegedly found in the hotel room was purchased in Bali and Smith was charged with drug possession, which carries a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison.
They said he struggles with drug addiction and will argue he should spend time in a rehab center rather than prison.
But at a police news conference on Monday, it was revealed that Smith’s charges would be upgraded to include drug trafficking.
Local police say the 49-year-old brought the smaller amount of the drug to Bali from Australia.
They say Smith tried to run from police on the day of his arrest by firing a warning shot into the air.
His lawyer said Smith was “surprised” by the shot, fell and was then arrested.
Smith will appear in a local court next month.
– With Hannah Ford.
