BNN and Customs Seize MDMA, Ketamine, and Etomidate-Laced Vapes
The Indonesian National Narcotics Board (BNN) and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) have seized MDMA, ketamine, methamphetamine, and hundreds of vape cartridges suspected of containing etomidate during a joint operation in Batam, Riau Islands. The discovery was announced during a press conference held at a boarding house in the Batu Ampar area of Batam on Friday.
The joint operation involved BNN RI, the Narcotics Interdiction Directorate of DJBC, Soekarmata-Hatta Customs, and Batam Customs. The case began when officers at Soekarno-Hatta Airport Customs grew suspicious of a package arriving from Malaysia, which was declared as a supplement. Laboratory tests confirmed the package contained MDMA, ketamine, and other dangerous chemicals, prompting coordination with BNN to track the recipient in Batam.
Following investigations, authorities tracked individuals to various locations, including boarding houses and hotels in the Batu Ampar and Lubuk Baja areas. During the raids, officers seized four cartridges suspected of containing etomidate, ecstasy pills, approximately 2.4 grams of methamphetamine, and ketamine. Further searches in the Teluk Tering area led to the discovery of 71 vape devices suspected of containing etomidate and ‘Happy Water’ sachets suspected of containing methamphetamine.
In a separate enforcement action, Batam Customs intercepted 48 vape cartridges suspected of containing etomidate at the Batam Centre International Ferry Terminal. The items were being carried by a Malaysian national arriving from Stulang Laut, Malaysia.
In total, the joint team seized 1,076.18 grams of MDMA powder, 50 grams of methamphetamine, 10 ecstasy pills, and 25.6 grams of ketamine. Additionally, 170 electric vape cartridges suspected of containing etomidate, 12 vials of etomidate weighing 226 grams, and 86 psychotropic tablets known as ‘Happy Five’ (H5) were confiscated, along with various drug paraphernalia.
Preliminary estimates suggest this operation has protected approximately 6,770 people from drug abuse and prevented an estimated Rp10.8 billion in potential state expenditure on health rehabilitation. Agung Widodo, Head of the Batam Customs Office, emphasised that the operation highlights the importance of inter-agency synergy in protecting the community. The suspects face charges under the Narcotics Law, which carry penalties ranging from five years to life imprisonment or even the death penalty, along with fines between Rp1 billion and Rp10 billion.