Bandung Influencer Arrested for Distributing Ketamine-Laced Vape Liquid

The Narcotics Unit of the Cimahi Police has arrested a Bandung-based social media influencer, identified by the initials GA (30), for distributing ketamine and etomidate as liquid used in vape cartridges. In addition to distribution, GA also consumed the substances. GA was detained several days ago in the Cigadung sub-district, Cibeunying Kaler district, Bandung City. Prior to the arrest, GA had been active in Jakarta before being apprehended for narcotics abuse. Cimahi Deputy Police Chief, Kompol Zulkarnaen, stated during a press conference that the arrest stemmed from the prior detention of a ketamine cartridge distributor identified as AM. AM was arrested in the Pasirkaliki sub-district, North Cimahi district, in early June 2026, and his testimony pointed to GA as the ringleader. ‘From AM’s testimony, we developed the case further until officers arrested GA. AM acted as a courier, distributing the illicit goods belonging to GA,’ Zulkarnaen said. Police seized evidence including 15 millilitres of liquid ketamine and five pod cartridges. According to GA’s statement, the ketamine was purchased from an individual identified as K, who remains at large. GA reportedly bought the substance for Rp 20 million from suspect K, purchasing it three times before distributing it throughout Greater Bandung to associates and followers, leveraging a significant social media following. In addition to selling, GA admitted to using the ketamine mixed with liquid in the pods. The suspect earned a profit of Rp 1 million to Rp 2 million per transaction. GA will be charged under Article 435 in conjunction with Article 138 paragraph (2) and/or Article 436 paragraph (1) and paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 145 paragraph (1) of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Zulkarnaen noted this is the first disclosure of its kind within the West Java Regional Police jurisdiction, highlighting the increasingly diverse methods of narcotics abuse.