BNN Chief: Modified Ketamine in Vape Liquid Extremely Difficult to Detect
A joint task force comprising the Criminal Investigation Department of the Indonesian National Police, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), and the Indonesian Navy has foiled the smuggling of 1,298 kilogrammes of the psychotropic substance ketamine in the waters of the Riau Islands. Eight foreign crew members were detained during the operation.
BNN Chief Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto explained that ketamine is medically used as an anaesthetic. However, the substance is also abused as a recreational drug because it can induce hallucinations and a floating sensation.
Suyudi revealed various methods of ketamine abuse. The most alarming method involves mixing the potent drug into electronic cigarettes.
"There are several methods of ketamine abuse, ranging from snorting it in powder form to using it as a mixture in extremely dangerous ‘happy water’. The more concerning method currently is the modification of ketamine into a liquid and concealing it in vape liquid or e-cigarettes, making it extremely difficult to detect," Suyudi stated during a press conference at the Naval Region IV Command Headquarters in Batam.
Suyudi explained that under Indonesian law, ketamine is not yet categorised as a narcotic. Nevertheless, the substance is classified as a potent medicine or a specific pharmaceutical product whose distribution and use are strictly controlled.
He noted that ketamine abuse has become increasingly widespread over the past decade, driven by high black market prices. The BNN is currently proposing that ketamine be reclassified as a narcotic, with the proposal now under discussion with the Narcotics Classification Committee.
Suyudi estimated the economic value of the seized evidence at nearly Rp 2.1 trillion. Furthermore, the operation potentially saved approximately 6.49 million people from the threat of drug abuse.
"The seizure of nearly 1.3 tonnes of ketamine is not merely a quantitative statistical record. This successful evidence recovery represents a tangible effort to save at least 6,490,000 young Indonesians from the grip of narcotics abuse," Suyudi explained.
Suyudi stated that the operation was made possible through inter-agency collaboration and synergy. He added that the operation also demonstrated a commitment to implementing President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision by closing loopholes in drug smuggling.
"This remarkable achievement was realised through strong synergy, inter-agency collaboration, and the courage and hard work of frontline officers. This operation did not just thwart smuggling at sea; it was a direct effort to save humanity, families, and the future sovereignty of the Indonesian nation," he said.
"This case disclosure is a tangible manifestation of the commitment to implement the President’s Asta Cita, particularly the seventh mission. The state continues to strengthen national and international cooperation to close gaps in every inch of our waters and ensure that every smuggling attempt faces the full force of the law," he added.
The joint task force operation took place on Friday, 7 August. Officers detained eight crew members, including one Taiwanese national and seven Myanmar nationals. The perpetrators had hidden the illicit goods in a concealed compartment near the ship’s bridge. Officers seized 65 sacks containing 1,300 packages of Chinese tea with a total weight of approximately 1.3 tonnes. Testing using a Rigaku device confirmed that all samples were positive for ketamine.