Beware: Liquid Narcotics Emerge as New Crime Modus Operandi
The head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) of the Republic of Indonesia, Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto, has stated that narcotics in liquid form are part of an evolving pattern of drug-related crime that requires vigilance.
“Liquid-form narcotics have emerged, many of which have been uncovered by BNN together with other law enforcement agencies over the past few months,” said Suyudi in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday (15 September).
Suyudi said that over the past two months, BNN had uncovered nearly eight tonnes of narcotics through four major cases. One of these cases, he said, involved the discovery of around 3.37 tonnes of cannabis flower buds originating from Thailand, which were planned to be exported to Europe and then extracted into liquid narcotics.
In addition, BNN has uncovered several cases of etomidate and crystal methamphetamine smuggling in liquid form, demonstrating the increasingly diverse forms of narcotics and the methods used by syndicate networks to smuggle and distribute them in Indonesia.
“Certainly, the point of entry is showing an increasing trend among our children, through electronic cigarettes or vapes. They appear to be using ordinary e-cigarettes, when in fact they contain liquid narcotics which are then consumed through the device,” said Suyudi.
He explained that BNN’s recommendation for a total ban on electronic cigarettes was based on laboratory tests conducted on 1,745 vape samples at the BNN laboratory. Of that number, 1,716 samples were found to contain new types of narcotics, or New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
According to Suyudi, discussions with specialists in cardiology, pulmonology, and internal medicine also showed that the chemical content of e-cigarettes poses a risk of serious health problems, particularly if the devices are laced with narcotics.
The constantly evolving nature of drug-related crime is one of the reasons BNN is pushing for a ban on e-cigarette use in the workplace. This appeal was conveyed, among others, to PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk during a socialisation event on the development of narcotics circulation in Indonesia for Garuda Indonesia employees in Tangerang, Banten, on Wednesday (9 September).
In response to the appeal, Garuda Indonesia’s President Director, Glenny Kairupan, affirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment that is free from narcotics abuse.
As the national flag carrier bearing responsibility for aviation safety and security, Garuda Indonesia has ensured there is no room for narcotics abuse within the company.
Glenny expressed hope that collaboration with BNN would strengthen the vigilance of all personnel against the threat of narcotics, so that every Garuda Indonesia employee can carry out their duties professionally, particularly in safeguarding flight safety.
At the end of the socialisation event, Garuda Indonesia employees underwent urine tests as an early detection measure for narcotics abuse, while also reinforcing a shared commitment to realising a drug-free working environment. (Ant/P-3)