Indonesia warns of drug-laced vapes, seeks stronger controls

3 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has raised concerns over narcotics mixed into electronic cigarettes, warning that drug-laced vapes pose a growing threat as their use expands, particularly among students.

“The issue is increasingly concerning because vape use has become more widespread, including among school students,” BNN Chief Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto said.

BNN has detected several cases involving vapes containing etomidate, an anesthetic that can cause serious health consequences if misused.

According to a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday, Suyudi said countries including Thailand and Singapore have imposed restrictions on vape use in response to growing public health and drug-related concerns.

BNN recently met Nizar Yamanie, a supervisory board member at the National Brain Center Hospital and an adviser to Indonesia’s Health Ministry, to discuss the emerging threat.

The meeting was also attended by senior BNN officials, including the agency’s narcotics laboratory chief, acting deputy for rehabilitation, and head of its national rehabilitation center.

Both sides highlighted the increasing misuse of liquid narcotics mixed into electronic cigarettes, describing the trend as an emerging challenge requiring coordinated action.

They also discussed expanding rehabilitation services, strengthening research, and enhancing interagency cooperation to improve treatment and prevention efforts.

Suyudi said BNN plans to meet Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin in the near future to discuss the issue further.

The planned meeting is expected to strengthen cross-sector cooperation in addressing evolving narcotics trafficking methods, including the misuse of vape products.

Earlier, President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia should consider a total ban on electronic cigarettes if a joint government study concludes that vaping poses greater risks and serves as a gateway for new narcotics.

“If that is the conclusion, I order that we should not hesitate to impose a total ban on vapes in Indonesia,” Prabowo said in remarks delivered by Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago.

President Prabowo said protecting public safety is the government’s highest obligation, citing the legal principle salus populi suprema lex esto, meaning the welfare of the people is the supreme law.

He instructed the heads of BNN, the Health Ministry, Trade Ministry, Law Ministry, the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency, and the Finance Ministry’s customs office to coordinate without delay.

The agencies were tasked with formulating stricter regulations governing the production, distribution, and trade of electronic cigarettes in Indonesia to address growing public health and narcotics concerns.