Police Raid on Medan's New Zone Nightclub as Narcotics Crackdown Gains Momentum
The Directorate of Narcotics Crime (Dittipidnarkoba) under Bareskrim Polri conducted a raid on New Zone nightclub in Medan, North Sumatra, a venue frequently linked to narcotics cases. The operation took place early Saturday, 23 May 2026, at approximately 03:25 WIB.
During the operation, officers secured dozens of individuals and seized several narcotics items from the location.
Director of Narcotics Crime Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, stated the action was part of the Indonesian National Police’s commitment to clearing nightclubs suspected of being narcotics distribution hubs.
“On Saturday, 23 May 2026, at approximately 03:25 WIB, a joint team conducted enforcement at the New Zone nightclub in Medan,” said Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso in a statement on 23 May 2026.
The raid on New Zone Medan immediately drew public attention, as the nightclub has repeatedly been associated with narcotics-related incidents in recent years, including drug raids, covert prostitution, ecstasy distribution allegations, and visitor overdoses.
Muannas Alaidid, Chairman of Patriot Anti-Narcotics (Patron), praised the firm actions taken by Dittipidnarkoba Bareskrim Polri under Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso’s leadership.
According to Muannas, Bareskrim Polri’s approach differs from typical narcotics case handling by not stopping at apprehending users on the ground.
“Bareskrim Polri has a different pattern in handling narcotics-linked nightclubs. They don’t just arrest users but dismantle management layers, from waiters and supervisors to managers, directors, and owners if evidence of involvement is found,” Muannas said on 24 May 2026.
He described the “Hajar THM Narkoba” movement, initiated by Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso using undercover sting operations, as a crucial step in uncovering narcotics networks hidden within nightclub operations. He noted the method has proven effective and is now being adopted by regional police units in narcotics investigations.
“This is a positive step. Bareskrim Polri has repeatedly dismantled major nightclubs previously considered immune to legal action. The public now sees that nightclubs selling narcotics are merely waiting to be targeted,” he added.
Muannas stressed that the New Zone Medan raid should serve as a catalyst to expose all parties suspected of involvement in the narcotics distribution network at the venue.
He also urged local governments to conduct serious evaluations of operating licenses for nightclubs repeatedly linked to narcotics.
“If a nightclub continues to appear in narcotics cases year after year, the public naturally questions what is really happening inside. Therefore, Bareskrim Polri’s actions must be fully supported to eradicate narcotics trafficking disguised as nightlife,” he stated.
Muannas added that the fight against narcotics must not be half-hearted due to its severe impact on youth and social security.
He assessed that Bareskrim Polri’s firm stance now proves the state is serious about combating narcotics networks at their roots, even targeting ‘legendary’ nightclubs perceived as above the law. (H-2)