BPOM ready to coordinate investigation into influencer Jule's etomidate vape case

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has stated it is prepared to assist, if required, regarding both the testing of etomidate and the provision of expert testimony related to the misuse of vape or e-cigarette liquids by influencer Jule.

“Regarding the misuse, it is appropriate for this to be handled by the police, who are also coordinating with the National Narcotics Board (BNN),” said the Head of BPOM, Taruna Ikrar, in Jakarta on Sunday.

The agency continues to synergise with the National Narcotics Board (BNN), the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, and the Police in the prevention and enforcement of narcotics misuse through electronic smoking media, including vapes, particularly those containing psychotropic substances such as etomidate.

Previously, the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Regional Police (Polresta Bandara Soetta) of the Metro Jaya Regional Police arrested Julia Prastini, known as Jule, in connection with the misuse of e-cigarette or vape liquids containing the substance etomidate.

“Initially, we conducted surveillance following the work of Polresta Bandara Soetta. We first arrested two women, with the initials RR and RN, acting as dealers,” said the Head of Narcotics Criminal Investigation at Polresta Bandara Soekarno-Hatta, AKP Michael Kharisma Tandayu, in Tangerang on Saturday.

He explained that from the initial arrest conducted on Monday (14/9), police seized 27 vape cartridges containing etomidate from the possession of suspects RR and RN.

Furthermore, investigations continued until police successfully apprehended the main dealer, a Chinese national with the initials XC.

He stated that through further investigation, field officers received new intelligence regarding a transaction involving an influencer at an apartment in South Jakarta.

“During the arrest, JP was detained in an apartment. However, after undergoing a urine test, JP tested positive for drugs,” he explained.

Based on the examination results, it was discovered that the influencer, JP, had only been using the narcotics-laced vape within the last two to three weeks.

“To the police, JP admitted to using it for personal reasons to manage stress,” he added.