Bandung Police Bust Clandestine Laboratory Producing Narcotic-Laced Vape Liquid
Bandung City (ANTARA) - The Narcotics Investigation Unit of the Bandung Metropolitan Police has dismantled a clandestine laboratory suspected of being used to concoct electronic cigarette (vape) liquids containing Class I narcotics.
Bandung Metropolitan Police Narcotics Chief, Commissioner Oliesta Ageng Wicaksana, stated that during the disclosure, police arrested two suspects and seized narcotic liquids estimated to be worth Rp1.5 billion.
“This substance is not merely an ordinary stimulant, but a Class I synthetic narcotic that triggers extreme dependency and fatal nerve damage effects,” Oliestha said in Bandung on Thursday.
He noted that the discovery began when police arrested the first suspect in Gang Bongkaran, Sukasari District, Bandung City, on 14 September 2026. Subsequently, the team expanded their investigation to a second crime scene in the Cikuya Mekar area, Lagadar Village, Margaasih District, Bandung Regency.
From these two locations, police apprehended two men, identified by the initials RGP (35) and OBP (34). Both men work daily as partners for an online ride-hailing service.
RGP is suspected of acting as the primary manufacturer, while OBP assisted in the process of mixing chemical raw materials. Police also seized several pieces of evidence, including 400 cartridges containing liquid, plastic clips, electric heating tools, and bottles containing chemical solvents and stimulants.
Oliestha mentioned that the seized materials included alcohol, propylene glycol (PG), and vegetable glycerin (VG). Based on forensic laboratory results, the liquid tested positive for MDMB-4en-PINACA, a Class I synthetic narcotic compound.
“The impact goes far beyond ordinary intoxication; it can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, acute poisoning, and even death due to overdose,” said Oliesta.
According to him, the bust was carried out before the products could enter the market. Each cartridge was planned to be sold for Rp3.5 million, meaning the 400 cartridges had a potential circulation value of approximately Rp1.4 billion based on the unit selling price.
“Alhamdulillah, we were able to uncover this activity before the goods could be marketed. They were planned to be sold at Rp3,500,000 per cartridge,” he added.
Oliesta urged the public to be wary of the circulation of narcotic variants disguised through electronic cigarette products and to report suspicious activities to the police.
For their actions, the two suspects face charges under Article 114 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 132 paragraph (1) of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics, along with other provisions alleged by investigators.
“The legal threat includes a minimum prison sentence of 15 years, with a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment,” said Oliesta.