‘I thought they were sweets’: Singaporean recounts rejecting drugs at Indonesian nightclub

Mohamed, a 53-year-old Singaporean, said he visited a nightclub in July 2025 in Nagoya Town, Batam, after a round of golf earlier that day, according to The Straits Times.

“I could not 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,” he said.

The pills were embossed with Nike and Superman logos, he added.

He said he repeatedly declined the offer. The man then showed him “Batu”, also known as crystal methamphetamine, in a small clear plastic bag. Mohamed said he rejected that as well.

He said he still travels to Batam to play golf at least four times a year but now visits only nightclubs recommended by golf tournament organizers.

He shared details of the incident with The Straits Times after learning about the anti-drug operation carried out by Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau at a Batam nightclub on Jan. 18, 2026. During the operation, 100 people were screened and 5 Indonesians were arrested for suspected drug-related offenses, local news outlet AsiaOne reported.

Although Singaporeans and permanent residents can be tested for drugs upon returning home, it is uncommon for the bureau to take part in raids overseas.

Lawyer S. Balamurugan, who has handled criminal cases, said, “It is an offense for Singapore citizens and PRs to consume or traffic drugs outside Singapore.”

“There is no refuge for you if you continue to commit drug offenses, especially if you disrespect the laws of other countries as well,” Aaron Tang, the bureau’s deputy director of operations, said.

Singapore permanent resident T. Vijay said authorities should continue targeted drug raids in Batam.

During a visit to Nagoya in 2024, he and his wife saw patrons smoking marijuana and using other drugs, he said.

“I saw younger patrons drinking only mineral water and shaking their heads to the throbbing techno beat. I knew they were on ecstasy pills.

“What shocked me was the drug pushers were the club’s waiters and waitresses, who went table to table asking if patrons wanted to buy cannabis or ecstasy,” he said.