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CNB participated in a Batam anti-drug blitz in January 2026 and warns Singaporeans that drug use overseas remains an offence under the MDA. (PHOTO: Getty Images)
(Jaka Suryanta via Getty Images)More
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) took part in a joint anti-drug raid at a Batam nightclub on 18 Jan 2026, an uncommon move that has drawn attention to the risks Singaporeans face when partying overseas. The operation, conducted with Indonesia’s National Narcotics Board (BNN) and other agencies, saw about 100 people screened, including four Singaporeans. Five Indonesians were arrested for suspected drug offences.
While Singapore citizens and permanent residents can be required to undergo drug tests upon returning home, it is rare for CNB officers to be involved in enforcement operations outside Singapore.
Criminal lawyer S. Balamurugan said: "The law provides that it is an offence for Singapore citizens and PRs to consume or traffic drugs outside Singapore. CNB, being the authority in Singapore, can participate in the raid in Batam or other countries if allowed."
He added: “I don’t think CNB can arrest but can check on Singaporeans and PRs with the assistance of the Indonesian counterpart.”
For one Singaporean, the raid brought back memories of his own close encounter with alleged drug peddlers in Batam months earlier.
In July 2025, Mohamed, 53, was at a dimly lit nightclub in Nagoya town after a day of golf when a well-dressed young Indonesian man approached him and asked if he wanted "Nike" or "Superman".
Mohamed, who declined to give his full name, did not understand at first.
He said: "I couldn’t really hear what he was saying but he opened a small tin box with tablets placed on a bed of sponge. I thought they were sweets but he told me he was selling Ecstasy pills (embossed with Nike and Superman logos)."
Mohamed said he rejected the offer several times. The man then showed him "Batu" – Bahasa Indonesia for rock – better known as crystal methamphetamine, in a small clear plastic bag. He turned that down as well.
Despite the episode, Mohamed continues to travel to Batam to golf about four times a year, though he now sticks to nightspots recommended by tournament organisers.
In response to queries, CNB said it works closely with foreign law enforcement counterparts, including Indonesia’s BNN, to curb cross-border drug activities.
Batam attracts around 100,000 visitors each month, most from Singapore and Malaysia, according to the island’s tourism chief, Mr Ardiwinata, who goes by one name. He told Antara News in September 2025 that the island remains a popular destination.
But beyond shopping and golf, the drug trade remains a concern. A 2019 BNN survey estimated that about 16,000 workers in Batam – which has a population of around 1.2 million – were involved in drug-related activities.
'I thought they were sweets': Singaporean says drugs were offered at Batam nightclub
CNB participated in a Batam anti-drug blitz in January 2026 and warns Singaporeans that drug use overseas remains an offence under the MDA. (PHOTO: Getty Images)
(Jaka Suryanta via Getty Images)More
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) took part in a joint anti-drug raid at a Batam nightclub on 18 Jan 2026, an uncommon move that has drawn attention to the risks Singaporeans face when partying overseas. The operation, conducted with Indonesia’s National Narcotics Board (BNN) and other agencies, saw about 100 people screened, including four Singaporeans. Five Indonesians were arrested for suspected drug offences.
While Singapore citizens and permanent residents can be required to undergo drug tests upon returning home, it is rare for CNB officers to be involved in enforcement operations outside Singapore.
Criminal lawyer S. Balamurugan said: "The law provides that it is an offence for Singapore citizens and PRs to consume or traffic drugs outside Singapore. CNB, being the authority in Singapore, can participate in the raid in Batam or other countries if allowed."
He added: “I don’t think CNB can arrest but can check on Singaporeans and PRs with the assistance of the Indonesian counterpart.”
For one Singaporean, the raid brought back memories of his own close encounter with alleged drug peddlers in Batam months earlier.
In July 2025, Mohamed, 53, was at a dimly lit nightclub in Nagoya town after a day of golf when a well-dressed young Indonesian man approached him and asked if he wanted "Nike" or "Superman".
Mohamed, who declined to give his full name, did not understand at first.
He said: "I couldn’t really hear what he was saying but he opened a small tin box with tablets placed on a bed of sponge. I thought they were sweets but he told me he was selling Ecstasy pills (embossed with Nike and Superman logos)."
Mohamed said he rejected the offer several times. The man then showed him "Batu" – Bahasa Indonesia for rock – better known as crystal methamphetamine, in a small clear plastic bag. He turned that down as well.
Despite the episode, Mohamed continues to travel to Batam to golf about four times a year, though he now sticks to nightspots recommended by tournament organisers.
In response to queries, CNB said it works closely with foreign law enforcement counterparts, including Indonesia’s BNN, to curb cross-border drug activities.
Batam attracts around 100,000 visitors each month, most from Singapore and Malaysia, according to the island’s tourism chief, Mr Ardiwinata, who goes by one name. He told Antara News in September 2025 that the island remains a popular destination.
But beyond shopping and golf, the drug trade remains a concern. A 2019 BNN survey estimated that about 16,000 workers in Batam – which has a population of around 1.2 million – were involved in drug-related activities.
