Drug Circulation in Vapes Emerges as New Threat, PUI Supports BNN's Control Measures
The surge in vape usage among the younger generation is sparking serious concerns. Beyond being deemed harmful to health, these electronic cigarette devices are now feared to serve as a new medium for narcotic misuse.
Advisor to the Persatuan Umat Islam (PUI), Achmad Tjachja Nugraha, supports the National Narcotics Agency’s (BNN) push for controlling or even banning vape use in Indonesia.
He stated that the vape phenomenon has shifted from merely a lifestyle trend to a serious issue threatening health and opening avenues for the misuse of dangerous substances.
“This is no longer just about lifestyle, but a serious matter concerning health and the sustainability of the nation’s generation,” said Achmad in Bandung on Friday (10/4).
The statement responds to the warning from BNN Chief Suyudi Ario Seto, who revealed that vapes are now being exploited as a medium for misusing narcotics and psychoactive substances.
Achmad views this warning as an alarm for all parties. When a product begins to potentially serve as an entry point for narcotics, preventive measures must not be delayed.
“What BNN has conveyed shows that this issue has reached a worrying stage. When a product potentially becomes a gateway for narcotics, prevention must be the priority,” he said.
These concerns are reinforced by various findings of vape liquid mixed with dangerous addictive substances. Additionally, there is the phenomenon of illegal use of laughing gas or “baby whip,” indicating increasingly diverse patterns of substance misuse.
“Data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) records that the number of vape users in Indonesia increased from 0.3 percent in 2011 to 3 percent in 2021, or about 6.6 million people. The majority of users come from the young age group,” Achmad explained.
From a health perspective, vapes are known to contain various harmful substances such as addictive nicotine, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals. In several cases, vape liquids have even been found to contain narcotics misused as a medium for consuming illegal substances.
“The principle of caution must be prioritised when the risks posed far outweigh the benefits. Protecting health is an obligation, as taught by religion which prohibits humans from casting themselves into destruction,” he clarified.
Achmad emphasised that addressing this issue cannot be done partially. Synergy is needed between the government, religious figures, educational institutions, and society to strengthen education, regulation, and supervision.
“Without serious control measures, vapes have the potential to develop into a new entry point for drug circulation while triggering a health crisis that threatens the quality of the nation’s generation in the future,” he asserted.