Drug Kingpin Suspected to Back Batam Prison Break: Official

Batam, Riau Islands, July 17 (Antara) - The escape of 11 detainees from Baloi Detention House in Batam was suspected to be backed by a certain drug kingpin, Deputy Head of the Batam Legislative Assembly Ruslan Kasbulatov said.

"Moreover, all of the escapees were charged with the same case (drug dealing). This is the starting clue for the investigation," Ruslan Kasbulatov said here on Wednesday.

Ruslan said the cramped and overcrowded detention house had been uncomfortable for the detainees.

The detention house was often flooded during the rain, he said adding that a detention house should properly accommodate the rehabilitation of its occupants.

Chief of Riau Island Police Brigjen Pol Endang Sudrajat confirmed that all of the escapees were charged with drug dealing case.

They include seven detainees of the Barelang district police and four detainees of the Riau Island regional police.

The detainees escaped after breaking an opening in the wall of the building using steel bars from their beds, Sudrajat said.

Apparently they timed their escape with the change of the prison guards, he said.

"We are still studying the motive driving the escapees. We have taken steps to prevent them from getting away from Batam," he said.

The escapees are Ismar Piliang, Edi Priantoro, Muhammad Darman, Riki Hidayat, Indra Kumar, Yusnardi, Sufyan bin Abidin, Hendro Gunawan, Achyar Adli, Aguan bin Intan, Mulyadi bin Saparudin.

Police has also issued photographs of the 11 escapees and distributed them in strategic public places such as the airport and harbour to prevent the escapees from leaving the island. (A.E.S. Wicaksono/F. Assegaf)