BNN Pushes for Strict Vape and Whip Pink Regulations to Prevent New Drug Distribution Methods
The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has addressed the growing trend of electronic cigarette (vape) and nitrous oxide (N2O), or Whip Pink, circulation in Indonesia. The agency is pushing for legal regulations governing the misuse of both products as vehicles for distributing new types of narcotics.
BNN Chief Suyudi Ario Seto stressed the importance of political will in taking a firm stance, citing neighbouring countries that have already implemented strict rules on vape use.
“This comparative study clearly shows that political will and strong regulatory support are the main keys,” said Suyudi at BNN headquarters in East Jakarta on Wednesday (18 February 2026).
Singapore has already imposed a total ban on vapes and categorises them as a narcotics law enforcement matter. Other countries, such as Thailand and the Maldives, have also banned the import and sale of vapes.
Meanwhile, Malaysia is currently moving towards a comprehensive ban on the sale and production of electronic cigarettes. Observing this global trend, Suyudi expressed hope that Indonesia would not be late in taking anticipatory measures.
“Indonesia must not become a rubbish bin for products that are banned in other countries,” he asserted.
The former Banten Police Chief noted that the push for strict regulation is not without reason. BNN has highlighted vapes from the perspective of extraordinary crimes, as they have become a new modus operandi for drug dealers to distribute narcotics in ways that are difficult to detect.
“Vapes have been proven to be a drug consumption medium that is difficult to detect. People used to use bongs, but that is now outdated. They use vapes — it looks like ordinary smoking, but the contents are liquid methamphetamine or etomidate,” said Suyudi.
Separately, the BNN National Narcotics Laboratory Centre tested 341 vape liquid samples and found dangerous narcotic substances including synthetic cannabis, methamphetamine, and etomidate.
“The results of pro justitia testing of vape liquid evidence at the BNN Narcotics Laboratory Centre from 2025 to 2026 show that 100 per cent of the 134 test samples were positive for drugs, with various variants including both single compounds and mixtures,” said Head of the BNN Narcotics Laboratory Centre, Supianto.
Based on these research findings, BNN is pushing for electronic cigarettes of the vape type to be banned in Indonesia.
“Even without drugs, vapes are already problematic and harmful to our health. Even more so when combined with narcotics. Therefore, we at BNN frankly continue to recommend a ban on vapes in Indonesia,” Supianto concluded.