Four Facts Behind National Police Criminal Investigation Bureau's Raid on Drug-Infested Nightclub in Denpasar
A police cordon remained in place at the main entrance of the New Star Club nightclub on Gunung Soputan Street, Denpasar, on Tuesday (17 March 2026). Reports had previously circulated that the cordon had been removed following the raid conducted by the National Police Criminal Investigation Bureau (Bareskrim Polri) on Sunday (15 March 2026).
On Tuesday afternoon, the yellow police tape was observed running across the main entrance and partially blocking access to the building. The area around the location appeared relatively quiet, with no visible operational activity typical of a nightclub, several doors closed shut, and the front area lacking tight security presence.
No police officers were visible at the location at that time, though the remaining police cordon indicated that the venue had been the site of law enforcement action.
One: Officers Posed as Patrons
Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Narcotics Crime Operations at Bareskrim Polri, stated that the investigation began with community reports of alleged drug transactions that had been occurring at the location for some time.
Based on this information, a combined team led by Senior Assistant Commissioner Handik Zusen (Head of Subdivision IV, Narcotics Crime Division) and the NIC Task Force led by Senior Assistant Commissioner Kevin Leleury conducted an investigation into the distribution of the illegal substances.
“The team obtained information regarding the distribution of ecstasy narcotics at a nightclub establishment in Denpasar that was suspected to have been ongoing for some time,” Eko stated on Tuesday (17 March 2026).
The operation was conducted at New Star Club in the early hours of Sunday (15 March 2026). Police first conducted undercover operations by entering as patrons and booking a VIP karaoke room.
“The team posed as patrons and booked a VIP room, then conducted an undercover purchase of 12 ecstasy pills,” he explained.
Two: Three Arrests, 600 Ecstasy Pills Seized
From the operation, police arrested a room captain named Muhammad Rokip. Police found 38 pink LV-branded ecstasy pills in the suspect’s possession.
Going further, police conducted follow-up investigations and discovered hundreds of additional ecstasy pills inside the suspect’s motorcycle seat. “From the further search, approximately 600 ecstasy pills were discovered stored in the vehicle,” Eko clarified.
Police subsequently arrested a waiter named I Gusti Bagus Adi Pramana and club manager I Wayan Subawa. From the investigation, it was determined that the drug distribution operation was controlled by an individual with the initials Opik and his associates, who are now on the wanted persons list (DPO).
Opik and his associates were not official staff members of the club. However, they frequently operated in the car park area and distributed narcotics to club patrons.
Eko explained that the drug distribution was conducted using a “drop point” system. The contraband was placed at a specific location in the car park, then collected by perpetrators for distribution to patrons.
“Drugs were delivered by couriers who always wore helmets and masks, placed in the car park area. The drugs were then collected and distributed to customers, with proceeds returned using the same system,” he stated.
In this operation, field operatives earned approximately 70,000 rupiah per pill, whilst club management also allegedly received a share of sales proceeds.
In one day, I Wayan Subawa and his four associates, who are now listed as wanted persons, could earn between 400,000 and 600,000 rupiah in their share.
In addition to arresting suspects, police detained 43 nightclub patrons during the raid. They consisted of 28 males and 15 females.
From initial examination, 37 individuals tested positive for drug use. “All detained patrons have been brought to the Bali Provincial Narcotics Agency (BNNP Bali) for further examination and assessment to determine each individual’s role,” Eko stated.
Three: Structured Distribution Operation
Bareskrim Polri concluded that drug distribution at the nightclub was conducted in a structured manner, exploiting club facilities.
“From our investigation, it was determined that drug distribution was carried out systematically and involved individuals within the operational structure,” Eko affirmed.
Four: Investigating Suspected Money Laundering
Currently, the bureau is continuing investigations to apprehend other suspects on the wanted persons list and is tracing financial flows suspected to be related to money laundering offences (TPPU).
Meanwhile, Senior Assistant Commissioner Ariasandy, Head of Public Relations for the Bali Regional Police (Polda Bali), stated that Polda Bali personnel did not participate in the enforcement operation conducted by Bareskrim Polri.
“We were not involved in the operation. Please contact Bareskrim Polri for complete information,” he said when asked on Tuesday (17 March 2026).