BNN Uncovers Smuggling of Vape Containing Etomidate from Malaysia, 6 Suspects Arrested

JAKARTA - The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) together with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise has dismantled an international narcotics smuggling network that smuggled etomidate liquid vape cartridges from Malaysia through the sea route in Batam, Riau Islands.

In a joint operation held in four locations on Tuesday, July 28, officers arrested six suspects and seized various types of narcotics.

Deputy Head of the BNN RI Irjen Pol. Aswin Sipayung said the disclosure of the case began with intelligence information regarding the entry of illegal goods through the sea route. Based on this information, the joint team conducted an investigation until raiding four different locations in Batam.

"In this operation, officers secured six suspects with initials BAP, ED, NC, TFS, AJ, and DA. Meanwhile, two foreign nationals with initials SL and WKC who are suspected of being the main suppliers are still being pursued," he said, Sunday, August 2.

Aswin explained, the syndicate used a new modus operandi by smuggling liquid and cartridge vape containing etomidate through unofficial channels or "rat ports" from Malaysia.

To deceive officers, the illegal goods were hidden inside a snack package. The vape cartridge was also repackaged using a plastic press so that it resembled a food product.

"This is a very neat form of disguise. The goal is clear, to deceive officers and be distributed to the general public, especially young people," said Aswin.

From the results of the operation, officers seized 170 vape cartridges containing etomidate liquid, 12 vials of etomidate, 1,076.18 grams of MDMA powder, 50 grams of crystal meth, 10 ecstasy pills, 86 happy five pills, 25.6 grams of ketamine, 88 vape device units, and a number of packaging equipment.

BNN estimates that the disclosure of the network has saved around 13,964 people from potential drug abuse. The economic value of the seized evidence is estimated to reach around Rp5.1 billion.

For their actions, the suspects were charged with Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics with a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.

BNN also appeals to the public to be more vigilant about the circulation of vape and vape liquids that are unclear about their origins. Etomidate is an anesthetic drug whose use must be under medical supervision and its misuse can cause sudden loss of consciousness to be fatal.

BNN together with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise confirmed that it would continue to strengthen supervision in border areas and international entry points, including unofficial ports, to break the network of smuggling and cross-border narcotics circulation.