BNN warns liquid narcotics are emerging crime trend
The head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto, has said that narcotics in liquid form are part of an evolving pattern of drug crime that warrants close attention.
“Liquid narcotics have emerged and have been uncovered by BNN together with other law enforcement agencies over the past few months,” Suyudi said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Suyudi said that over the past two months, BNN had seized nearly eight tonnes of narcotics across four major cases.
One of these cases, he said, involved the discovery of around 3.37 tonnes of cannabis buds from Thailand, which were planned to be exported to Europe and then extracted into liquid narcotics.
In addition, BNN has uncovered several cases of etomidate and crystal methamphetamine smuggling in liquid form, showing the increasingly diverse forms of narcotics and the methods used by syndicates to bring them into and distribute them across Indonesia.
“Certainly, the entry point among our children is showing a trend through electronic cigarettes or vapes. They appear to be using ordinary e-cigarettes, when in fact they contain liquid narcotics which are then consumed through the device,” said Suyudi.
Of the total samples, 1,716 were detected to contain new psychoactive substances (NPS).
According to Suyudi, discussions with specialists in cardiology, pulmonology and internal medicine have also shown that the chemical contents of e-cigarettes pose serious health risks, especially when the devices are laced with narcotics.
The ever-changing nature of drug crime is one reason BNN is pushing for a ban on e-cigarette use in the workplace.
The appeal was among those conveyed to PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk during a socialisation event on developments in narcotics circulation in Indonesia for Garuda Indonesia employees in Tangerang, Banten, on Wednesday (9/9).
As the national flag carrier bearing responsibility for aviation safety and security, Garuda Indonesia has ensured there is no room for narcotics abuse within the company.
Glenny expressed hope that collaboration with BNN would strengthen the vigilance of all personnel against the narcotics threat, so that every Garuda Indonesia employee can carry out their duties professionally, particularly in safeguarding flight safety.
At the end of the socialisation event, Garuda Indonesia employees underwent urine tests as an early detection measure against narcotics abuse, while also reinforcing a joint commitment to realise a drug-free workplace.