BATAM - Batam Customs, Riau Islands, thwarted the smuggling of 148 pieces of cartridge of electronic cigarettes (vape) containing etomidate carried by ferry passengers from Malaysia.
Head of Guidance Compliance and Information Services (Kabid BKLI) of Batam Customs Evi Octavia said that the 148 pieces of vape containing etomidate were brought by a courier from Malaysia using the MV Marine Hawk 5 ship to Batam.
"The ship departed from Stulang Laut International Ferry Port to Harbour Bay International Ferry Port, Batam," said Evi as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, December 22.
He explained that this action was carried out starting when the Batam Customs K-9 Team carried out routine tracking of passengers who had just arrived at the Harbour Bay Port.
During the tracking, the K-9 named Bary showed interest in an Indonesian citizen passenger.
Based on the findings, he said, officers examined the suspect's luggage and travel documents, including an X-ray and physical examination, and found 148 pieces of cartridge of e-cigarettes suspected of containing etomidate.
"We also conducted a body examination and urine test on the person concerned, with positive results containing methamphetamine and amphetamine," he said.
In addition, laboratory tests have been carried out on the vape cartridge liquid and it has been proven positive for etomidate.
According to Evi, this action is the result of the intelligence and vigilance of officers in the field, especially during Christmas and New Year 2026 where community mobility begins to increase at the port.
This action, he continued, is also part of efforts to strengthen supervision of cross-country passenger movements as well as the commitment of Customs in preventing the entry of narcotics and dangerous substances into Indonesia through border areas.
"We have handed over this case to the Kepri Police for further investigation," he said.
Evi also appealed to the public to support efforts to prevent the misuse and illegal circulation of drugs by not being involved in the circulation and also report if there are findings.
"Bea Cukai Batam continues to strengthen supervision and synergy with law enforcement to protect the community and maintain border security from the threat of narcotics," said Evi.
The Indonesian government has determined that etomidate is in the category of narcotics. This is stated in the Minister of Health Regulation (Permenkes) Number 15 of 2025 concerning the Change in the Classification of Narcotics. And Permenkes Number 14 of 2025 concerning the Determination and Change in the Classification of Psychotropic Substances.
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