TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has uncovered a new modus operandi in drug trafficking. Perpetrators are now distributing illicit substances through hard-to-detect media, including e-cigarettes and vape liquids containing etomidate.
BNN Chief Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto noted that etomidate is one example of a new class of narcotics known as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). "There are at least 1,452 types of NPS," Suyudi said on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
According to him, thousands of these new narcotics are currently circulating globally. Among them, 178 variants have been identified as having entered Indonesia. "A total of 178 types have been confirmed entering Indonesia," Suyudi stated during his address.
Suyudi explained that BNN has lab-tested numerous vape liquid samples circulating among the public. The test results revealed that a majority of the electronic cigarettes contained synthetic cannabinoids, methamphetamine, and etomidate, which are all falling under the NPS classification.
Consequently, Suyudi emphasized the need for tighter government supervision over the distribution of these new drug varieties. "BNN has recommended a strict prohibition on vape or electronic cigarettes," Suyudi said.
He stressed that BNN will continue to eradicate drug trafficking, including by crippling the financial power of syndicates. "We are not satisfied with just making arrests, but there is a spirit to bankrupt the dealers," he said.
Minister of Political and Security Affairs, retired TNI General Djamari Chaniago, affirmed that drug eradication remains a top government priority. Therefore, the administration considers every narcotics prevention program a vital investment in the nation's future.
According to Djamari, Indonesia's vision to achieve its "Golden Generation" (Indonesia Emas) by 2045 can only be realized if the youth remain free from drug abuse. "If the younger generation is ruined by drugs, then what awaits us is 'Indonesia's Anxiety' (Indonesia Cemas)," Djamari said.
Read: Soekarno-Hatta Police Seize Rp97.8b in Etomidate
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia's BNN Warns Vape Devices Could Be Used for Drug Abuse
32 hari lalu
Secretary of the Cabinet Teddy Indra Wijaya received a visit from the Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto, in the early hours of Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Indonesia Probes International Drug Ring After Russians Arrested in Bali
45 hari lalu
BNN is still investigating an international drug trafficking network suspected of involving Russian nationals arrested in Bangli, Bali.
Indonesia Considers Vape Ban Over Health, Drug Risks
12 April 2026
The proposal to ban vape or electronic cigarettes gains serious consideration due to various concerns, including its impact on the younger generation and potential health risks.
BNN Probes Russian Mastermind Behind Bali Drug Lab
31 Maret 2026
National Narcotics Agency (BNN) is still investigating the identity of a Russian citizen who is suspected of masterminding a drug lab in Bali.
BNN Hunts Russian Woman Behind Bali Drug Lab
11 Maret 2026
The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) is pursuing a Russian woman, who is suspected of being the mastermind behind a drug laboratory producing mephedrone in Bali after two lab operators were previously arrested.
Two Russians Arrested in Bali for Running Mephedrone Drug Lab
9 Maret 2026
Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) reveals the background of 2 Russian nationals who operated a drug laboratory producing mephedrone in Bali.
Mexican Cartels Among Networks Supplying Drugs to Indonesia
24 Februari 2026
BNN unveils the involvement of the Mexican cartel as one of the networks previously supplying drugs in Indonesia.
Indonesia Uncovers Drug Supply Chain Linked to Mexican Cartels
24 Februari 2026
BNN has uncovered drug trafficking routes linking Mexican cartels to Indonesia, saying they operate with support from local networks.
BNN Warns of Deadly Risks from Whip Pink Gas Abuse
18 Februari 2026
The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) warned against the misuse of whip pink, which is commonly abused by young people to induce laughter.
Indonesia's BNN Destroys 102 Kilograms of Confiscated Drugs
18 Februari 2026
BNN destroyed drug evidence on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, seized from 5 drug-related cases.
