Some suspects confessed to being directed by inmates inside Tanjungpinang Class IIA Prison
A narcotics network stretching from Batam to a prison cell in Tanjungpinang has been dismantled by police, revealing the persistent reach of drug operations even from behind bars.
13 Suspects, Multiple Locations, One Common Threat
Throughout May 2025, Barelang Police’s Narcotics Unit uncovered 9 drug cases and arrested 13 individuals—9 men and 4 women—from various areas in Batam including Hang Nadim Airport, Seibeduk, Lubuk Baja, Batuaji, and Sekupang. The seizures amounted to 266.41 grams of methamphetamine (sabu) and 117 ecstasy pills.
Two suspects, identified as P and D, admitted to acting under the orders of an inmate at Tanjungpinang Class IIA Prison. Authorities believe this inmate, referred to as “Yb,” was orchestrating the trafficking operations remotely from his cell.
Prison Syndicate Revealed
The case highlights a disturbing reality: even incarcerated individuals can continue managing drug networks. Batam Police confirmed the involvement of prison-controlled operations and are now investigating deeper links.
“We’re coordinating directly with prison authorities in Tanjungpinang to trace the network’s full structure,” said AKP Deni Langie, Head of the Narcotics Unit. The inmate suspected of masterminding the operation has been moved to a special isolation cell pending investigation, confirmed Warden Untung Cahyo Sidharto.
Drug Smuggling at the Airport
Among the more notable cases was a smuggling attempt at Hang Nadim International Airport on May 18. Two couriers—one male (T) and one female (R)—were caught attempting to transport 163.57 grams of meth wrapped in condoms and hidden inside their bodies.
The drugs were reportedly bound for Jakarta and had been smuggled from Malaysia. The method, known as “insert concealment,” remains a dangerous yet common tactic in transnational drug trade.
Police Pursue Wider Network
According to Deni, several suspects are repeat offenders and part of broader trafficking cells. The police have invoked Articles 114 and 112 of Indonesia’s Narcotics Law No. 35 of 2009, under which the accused could face 20 years to life imprisonment.
“This is not just about street-level dealers. We’re looking at a structured network involving inmates, external runners, and possibly cross-border players,” Deni stated. Investigators are also gathering intelligence on financial transactions related to the operation.
Coordination Between Law Enforcement and Prisons
Kalapas Untung Cahyo assured full cooperation with law enforcement, stating that the prison is prepared to facilitate outside investigations. “We’re committed to transparency and supporting legal procedures. Any inmate found guilty of continuing criminal activities will face strict consequences,” he said.
This level of collaboration signals a growing awareness of the systemic vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit from within Indonesia’s prison system.
The case underscores the urgent need for stronger prison oversight, better inter-agency coordination, and continued vigilance at entry points like airports. For Indonesians and Singaporeans observing cross-border criminal dynamics, it’s a warning of how organized drug syndicates adapt quickly—even from within locked cells—to exploit weak links in the system.
Sources: Batam Pos (2025) , Pres Media (2025)
Keywords: Batam Drug Dealers, Tanjungpinang Prison, Narcotics Trafficking Indonesia, Polresta Barelang, Prison Drug Network, Drug Bust May 2025
