Snowing in Bali: The Incredible Inside Account of Bali’s Hidden Drug World by Kathryn Bonella

Snowing in Bali: The Incredible Inside Account of Bali’s Hidden Drug World by Kathryn Bonella is an eye-opening look into the little-known seedy underworld of drugs, crime and corruption in Bali, Indonesia.

The book offers a vivid and detailed portrait of the lives and lifestyles of the Balinese drug lords, street peddlers and undercover police, as well providing a unique insight into the “snowing” phenomenon – the increasing flow of methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs onto the Balinese market.

Bonella, an investigative journalist, spent two years researching and interviewing her way through Bali’s hidden network of laws, morals and “business” deals to create the book. Though she encountered a danger and corruption, she also encountered a heart-warming and inspiring culture that transcended the lawless, grim reality of the island’s drug market.

The book begins with an introduction to Indonesian culture, as well as to the history of organized crime, enabling readers to understand why some Balinese, frustrated with their economic situation, are driven to breaking the law.

Snowing in Bali paints a vivid picture of the daily life of various drug smugglers and the illicit drug industry, from the inner-workings of the big bosses who run the drug empires down to the street peddlers who risk their lives to sell the drugs. It gives readers an in-depth understanding of the motivations of the people involved, as well as the troubling implications of their business.

The book also examines the many issues and consequences facing Balinese society, from government corruption and poverty to widespread drug abuse and the growing rate of HIV/AIDS. It traces the current drug scene to historical and cultural influences, while also providing a sobering account of the consequences of the trade, including the loss of traditional Balinese values.

Finally, Bonella gives readers an invaluable guide to how enforcing the law can be effective in curbing the drug trade, as well as outlining the social reforms which need to be implemented to ensure a real and lasting shift in attitudes.

Whether you are interested in understanding the motivations behind drug smuggling and the culture of drug dealers in Bali, or simply want to gain a greater insight into the multifaceted complexities of the hidden drug economy, Snowing in Bali offers an insightful and entertaining look at the inner workings of one of the world’s most notorious but least-known drug markets. If you’re looking for an inside account on the wild and often dangerous world of Bali’s hidden drug underworld, then you should look no further than Snowing in Bali.