Cooperation with Indonesian police led to Batam drug dealer's arrest in JB - NCID director

The Indonesian National Police (Polri), working with Interpol and Malaysian police, arrested one of its citizens in Johor Bahru, wanted in connection with allegations of drug dealings in Batam.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) chief Hussein Omar Khan said the 51-year-old had fled to Malaysia and entered the country through Johor.

“The suspect is wanted by Polri for involvement in drug trafficking at entertainment outlets in Batam, Indonesia.

“Polri sought Bukit Aman’s assistance to locate the suspect.

“On Aug 19, with the cooperation of the Special Branch, we successfully located and arrested the suspect in Iskandar Puteri. He has been sent to Indonesia for further action,” he told Malaysiakini yesterday.

Indonesian authorities have identified the suspect as Basri Lewaimang, who is wanted in connection with alleged drug trafficking at the HH Club/Planet Batam entertainment outlets in Riau Islands.

According to Batam Pos, Indonesia’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) said Basri was tracked to Johor Bahru with the assistance of Polri’s International Relations Division and Interpol.

“He was detected in the Johor Bahru area in Malaysia and was arrested at about 12.30am, Thursday, Malaysian time,” said Drago, an officer with Bareskrim’s Narcotics Crime Directorate, in Jakarta yesterday.

Drago said police established from border-crossing records that Basri had travelled to Malaysia by ferry on Aug 11.

He said investigators were still probing Basri’s exact role, but alleged that he managed three nightclubs linked to the case.

“Based on statements from the suspects and witnesses we have questioned, Basri is suspected of being involved as a coordinator at the night entertainment premises, where the drugs were allegedly distributed,” he said.

Further probe

Bareskrim Narcotics Crime director Eko Santoso said Basri was placed on Indonesia’s wanted list on Aug 18.

“Basri’s role was as the operator of the Planet 1, 2, and 3 entertainment outlets, while also acting as a drug trafficker supplying various types of drugs for distribution at Planet 1, 2, and 3,” Eko was quoted as saying.

Hussein, meanwhile, said the suspect has so far not admitted to having links with drug syndicates in Malaysia.

However, he said Polri and the NCID were continuing investigations to determine whether the suspect had any involvement in Malaysian drug cartels.

“This is proof of the cooperation between Polri and the Royal Malaysia Police in combating cross-border drug syndicates,” he added.

Indonesian investigators alleged that at least 40,000 ecstasy pills were distributed each month at the Batam entertainment outlets, with the quantity rising significantly when the venues were operating at full capacity.

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