BNN Chief Reveals Prabowo's Concern Over Etomidate Dangers; Regulations Being Prepared

The Head of the National Narcotics Board (BNN), Suyudi Ario Seto, stated that President Prabowo Subianto is paying close attention to the abuse of liquid drugs, specifically etomidate. The government is preparing regulations to anticipate the increasingly widespread misuse of etomidate.

“This is also a matter of concern for the President regarding liquid narcotics,” said Suyudi following a limited meeting with Prabowo at the Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, on Tuesday (29/09/202lar).

The misuse of etomidate involves the use of electronic cigarettes, or vapes. Suyudi noted that the government is designing rules to anticipate the circulation and subsequent abuse of etomidate by the public.

“This will be discussed specifically again. Although, under the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, coordination meetings have already been held, we will continue to explore this to determine what the regulations will look like,” he added.

On the same occasion, the Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Arif Satria, explained that vaping has become a significant threat as the number of users has now exceeded 4 million. Arif stated that the impact of vaping is detrimental to the health of users.

“From medical tests conducted by BRIN, vaping has health impacts, such as issues with diabetes, lungs, and the pancreas. Based on the tests conducted by BRIN, vaping does have an impact on health,” said Arif.

Arif emphasised that vaping is also being misused, as explained by Suyudi. He noted that BRIN is conducting research and innovation to detect drug addiction.

“However, vaping also serves as a loophole that can be exploited for the spread of narcotics. Therefore, I believe this must be properly anticipated; consequently, the Head of the BNN and the Ministry of Health will regulate this matter,” he added.