Aceh Police Officer Dismissed for Distributing 'Vibrating Vape' Containing Narcotics
The Aceh Regional Police (Polda Aceh) have announced that a police officer involved in the distribution of narcotic cartridges, or ‘vibrating vapes’, containing etomidate in Bireuen Regency has been dishonourably discharged (PTDH).
Head of Public Relations of Polda Aceh, Commissioner Joko Krisdiyanto, stated in Banda Aceh on Tuesday that the officer, identified by the initials RF, was dismissed following a hearing of the Police Professional Code of Ethics Commission (KKEP).
“Based on the results of the KKEP hearing, the officer, Abripda RF, has been sanctioned with PTDH,” said Joko Krisdiyanto.
RF was arrested during a narcotics case operation in Bireuen Regency on 25 July 2026. The arrest also resulted in the seizure of 142 units of cartridges or vibrating vapes.
Forensic laboratory tests conducted by the North Sumatra Regional Police confirmed that the vape cartridges contained etomidate, which is classified as a Group II narcotic.
In addition to the PTDH sanction against RF, Polda Aceh also imposed a sanction on First Inspector FJ regarding the execution of the arrest of the narcotics offender in the same case in Bireuen Regency.
Joko Krisdiyanto explained that during the operation, First Inspector FJ was deemed to have acted in a manner not in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOP), specifically by being insufficiently cautious in taking police action.
This action caused a ricochet that resulted in the death of a person later identified as a member of the Indonesian National Armed Forces serving at the Bireuen Military Police Sub-Detachment, Private Galuh Nugraha.
“First Inspector FJ has been given an administrative sanction in the form of a demotional transfer for 10 years,” said Joko Krisdiyanto.
The mid-ranking police officer reminded all personnel, in line with the directive of Aceh Police Chief Inspector General Ruddi Setiawan, not to attempt to use, let alone be involved in the distribution of, any type of narcotic.
Any personnel proven to be involved in the abuse or distribution of narcotics will face strict sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations, including PTDH.
Polda Aceh will also conduct regular checks on personnel, both through urine tests and inspections of vapes used. This measure is part of efforts to ensure there is no narcotics abuse within the internal environment of the Indonesian National Police.
“Anyone proven to have committed narcotics abuse will be dealt with firmly, even if the personnel are involved. So, no one should try to play with narcotics. The sanction is dismissal,” said Joko Krisdiyanto.