BNN and Customs Bust Cross-Border Etomidate Vape Smuggling Syndicate in Batam

Batam, Indonesia — Indonesian authorities have dismantled a transnational drug trafficking network allegedly responsible for smuggling etomidate-laced vape cartridges from Malaysia into Indonesia through illegal sea routes. The operation, conducted jointly by the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, resulted in the arrest of multiple suspects and the seizure of a significant quantity of narcotics and psychotropic substances.

The investigation culminated on July 28, 2026, when a joint task force carried out coordinated raids at four separate locations across Batam City, Riau Islands Province. During the operation, officers recovered vape cartridges containing etomidate, MDMA powder, methamphetamine (crystal meth), ecstasy pills, Happy Five (H5) psychotropic tablets, ketamine, cash, communication devices, vape equipment, drug paraphernalia, and plastic sealing tools believed to have been used in the distribution process.

According to investigators, the syndicate employed sophisticated concealment methods to avoid detection. Etomidate vape cartridges and other narcotics were allegedly transported from Malaysia to Batam through unauthorized maritime entry points commonly referred to as "mouse ports." Once inside Indonesia, the illicit products were hidden inside snack packaging and sachets before being resealed with plastic press machines to resemble legitimate consumer goods. Authorities said the group exploited the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes to disguise the illegal distribution of narcotics.

The joint operation resulted in the confiscation of 170 etomidate vape cartridges, 12 vials of etomidate weighing a total of 226 grams, 1,076.18 grams of MDMA, 50 grams of methamphetamine, 10 ecstasy tablets, 86 Happy Five tablets, 25.6 grams of ketamine, 88 vape devices, along with digital scales, drug consumption equipment, and packaging materials.

Authorities stated that the criminal network was involved in an organized operation encompassing the smuggling, processing, repackaging, and marketing of narcotics. All suspects have been taken into custody for further investigation, while forensic examinations and case development remain ongoing. Investigators are also pursuing two foreign nationals, identified by the initials SL and WKC, who are suspected of serving as the primary suppliers of etomidate vape cartridges and methamphetamine to the network.

The suspects are being investigated under Indonesia's narcotics legislation, which carries penalties ranging from six years' imprisonment to life imprisonment or the death penalty, depending on each individual's role and the scale of the offense, in addition to substantial financial penalties.

BNN emphasized that narcotics trafficking remains a transnational crime that continues to evolve through new technologies and increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening intelligence sharing, enhancing border surveillance, and intensifying cooperation with Customs and other law enforcement agencies to prevent narcotics from entering Indonesia through both maritime and air routes. Officials also called for continued public support in combating illicit drug trafficking and protecting communities from the dangers of narcotics abuse.