Real Life

Schapelle Corby’s boyfriend arrested in Bali on drug charges

Schapelle Corby’s Indonesian boyfriend has been arrested on drugs charges.

Ben Panangian was allegedly caught with marijuana in a busy Bali street last Wednesday.

Police later searched the 32-year-old’s home in Kuta and allegedly uncovered more cannabis which he’d reportedly hidden in a wardrobe.

Several witnesses to the arrest identified the Indonesian-born resident as “Corby’s boyfriend”.

Related:  Schapelle Corby’s boyfriend: ‘He’ll be her baby daddy’

Woman’s Day understands that Denpasar Police held a press conference earlier this week where Ben  appeared with his face covered.

It’s understood that at the time of the arrest, Ben was on his motorbike and threw two packages, believed to have contained the drugs, on the ground.

Schapelle and Ben met back in 2006 as inmates at the notorious Kerobokan prison.

Related:  Schapelle Corby living the sweet life in Bali Paradise

Ben was serving a three-and-a-half-year sentence for drug possession while his Australia girlfriend was two years into her 20-year sentence for attempting to smuggle 4.2kg of marijuana into popular tourist destination.

But their friendship quickly blossomed into something more. In fact, Schapelle’s sister, Mercedes once credited Ben for helping her 34-year-old sister through her darkest days behind bars.

Schapelle was released in February this year after nine years in prison.

Ben is currently being held in a Bali jail and faces up to 12 years behind bars if convicted.

Related: Scott and Nikki: the Bali Nine wedding

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