BNN busts Malaysia-Batam etomidate vape smuggling network
BNN Deputy for Eradication Inspector General Aswin Sipayung said the joint operation on Tuesday (July 28) resulted in the arrest of seven suspects and the seizure of hundreds of vape cartridges containing etomidate and other narcotics.
“The vape cartridges containing etomidate and etomidate liquid in bottles are suspected to have been transported from Malaysia to Batam via an illegal sea route. The route was chosen to evade inspections and minimize the risk of detection by law enforcement,” Sipayung explained on Friday.
The raids uncovered an organized syndicate involved in smuggling, processing, and distributing narcotics.
A joint team conducted raids at four locations in Batam City: the Teluk Tering area, a hotel in Baloi, an apartment in Teluk Tering, and a boarding house in Batu Ampar.
Officers arrested suspects identified as BAP at the first location; ED, NC, and TFS at the second; TFS at the third; and AJ and DA at the fourth.
Authorities seized 170 vape cartridges containing etomidate, 12 vials of etomidate weighing a total of 226 grams, 1,076.18 grams of MDMA powder, 50 grams of methamphetamine, 10 ecstasy pills, 86 Happy Five (H5) pills, and 25.6 grams of ketamine.
They also confiscated 88 vape devices, nine methamphetamine-smoking devices, three plastic presses, six digital scales, and packaging for etomidate cartridges suspected of being used in drug trafficking activities.
According to Sipayung, the syndicate employed various methods to conceal the narcotics and evade detection. Vape cartridges and methamphetamine were hidden inside dry-food packaging and sachets before being distributed to customers.
“The method indicates that drug trafficking networks are exploiting the growing use of e-cigarettes and concealing narcotics in disguised packaging to avoid detection,” he said.
BNN is currently pursuing two foreign nationals, identified as SL and WKC, who are suspected of being the main suppliers of etomidate-containing vape cartridges and methamphetamine to the Batam-based syndicate.
The suspects face charges under Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, in conjunction with provisions of the new Criminal Code. The offenses carry penalties ranging from six years’ imprisonment to life imprisonment or the death penalty, along with fines of between Rp1 billion (US$53,000) and Rp10 billion (US$538,000).
BNN has also pledged to strengthen supervision in cooperation with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise and other relevant agencies at all entry points into Indonesia to close loopholes exploited by international narcotics-smuggling networks.
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Translator: Amandine Nadja, Resinta Sulistiyandari