Basri Lewaimang arrested in Malaysia for Batam drug trafficking

Indonesian authorities, in collaboration with Interpol, have arrested Basri Lewaimang, a prominent drug trafficker and manager of several nightclubs in Batam. Lewaimang, who had been a fugitive following a police raid on August 10, 2026, was apprehended in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on August 19 or 20.

Lewaimang is accused of managing the distribution of narcotics, specifically ecstasy, at HH Club and Planet 1, 2, and 3 in Batam. Investigators estimate that at least 40,000 ecstasy tablets were distributed monthly through these venues. During the arrest, police seized communication devices, various currencies including Indonesian Rupiah, Singapore dollars, and Malaysian Ringgit, as well as transaction records suspected to be related to narcotics.

In addition to drug trafficking charges, authorities are investigating Lewaimang for suspected money laundering. Police have identified a significant list of assets allegedly owned by the suspect, including luxury vehicles such as a Hummer H2, a Jeep Wrangler, and several yachts, as well as high-value real estate in Batam.