BNN Uncovers Etomidate Vape Smuggling Disguised as Snack Packaging

The National Narcotics Board (BNN), alongside the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, has dismantled a smuggling network transporting etomidate-filled vape cartridges from Malaysia via sea routes in Batam, Riau Islands. During the operation, six individuals were apprehended.

The discovery of this case originated from intelligence reports regarding the entry of illegal goods through maritime routes. Acting on this information, officers raided four different locations on Tuesday (28/7), arresting six suspects identified by the initials BAP, ED, NC, TFS, AJ, and DA.

BNN Deputy for Eradication, Inspector General Aswin Sipayable, stated that the syndicate utilised illegal routes, known as ‘rat ports’, to smuggle the illicit goods. Furthermore, the perpetrators repackaged the vape cartridges using plastic pressing tools to resemble snack packaging to evade inspection by authorities.