Batam Drug Lord Arrested in Malaysia: Here's What to Know

Indonesian authorities have apprehended drug lord Basri Lewaimang, who managed Batam club HH Club Planet, in collaboration with Interpol. The arrest took place in Johor Baru, Malaysia, at approximately 12:30 a.m. local time on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Police Commissioner Drago informed the public of Basri's whereabouts, which were inferred from travel data showing he crossed the country via ferry on August 11, 2026, at around 04:43 p.m. local time.

During the arrest, police seized two communication devices and a substantial sum of currency in Indonesian Rupiah, Singapore dollars, and Malaysian Ringgit. Additionally, investigators found three sets of suspected record notes related to narcotics. According to Drago, Basri, as the coordinator of the night entertainment venue, was implicated in distributing narcotics at P1, P2, and P3 of HH Club Planet.

Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Drug Crime Directorate at Bareskrim, explained that Basri acted as a drug trafficker who supplied various types of narcotics at the night club. The narcotics syndicate reportedly distributed at least 40,000 tablets of ecstasy monthly, with a higher volume anticipated during peak visitor numbers.

Bareskrim detailed a list of assets allegedly owned by Basri, comprising both movable and immovable properties. The movable assets included six vehicles and a yacht, while the immovable assets consisted of multiple residences in various complexes and properties in Batam City. Further legal actions related to money laundering offenses will be pursued in connection with narcotics offenses perpetrated by the suspect.

Police have previously reported a drug trafficking operation at HH Club Planet 3.0 Pub & KTV, Batam City, Riau Islands, on Monday, August 10, 2026, resulting in 32 arrests and seizure of narcotics evidence.