Drugs Smuggled In Vape, BNN Prevents Inter-Island Narcotics Network

BNN (DOC ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) held a joint operation and succeeded in dismantling a cross-island drug trafficking network linking North Sumatra and Central Sulawesi. From the operation, as many as 985 ecstasy pills and hundreds of vape liquids suspected of containing narcotics have been secured.

Disclosure began with tracing suspicious packages in the Kualanamu Airport area, North Sumatra, which will be sent to Central Sulawesi. BNN then traced the shipping chain to a boarding house in Medan, North Sumatra.

"The perpetrators are increasingly creative in finding loopholes. Vape is no longer used for lifestyle, but as a means of disguise for narcotics distribution. This is an alarm for all of us," said Head of BNN RI Police Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto in a statement confirmed in Jakarta, Sunday.

According to Suyudi, the misuse of vape liquid or e-cigarettes containing narcotics has the potential to form a new generation of users without realizing it.

"Young people who feel they just want to try vaping can be exposed to harmful substances without knowing. The danger is not only addictive, but can damage the permanent nervous system," he said.

The vape evidence, which is suspected of containing narcotics, is currently being investigated in the laboratory to ascertain the level of the prohibited substance contained in the liquid.

Suyudi highlighted the still weak monitoring system for the circulation of vape liquid in the market. Moreover, imported products that are not registered often enter through online logistics and expeditions without strict controls.

Therefore, he said BNN had coordinated with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health to strengthen supervision.

"Do not let the gray space of regulations be used by syndicates," he explained.