East Kalimantan Police Uncover Etomidate Vape Trafficking Network Involving Rogue AVSEC Officer

East Kalimantan Regional Police (Polda Kaltim) through the Narcotics Crime Investigation Directorate (Ditresnarkoba) has successfully dismantled a new type of illegal narcotics trafficking network. Officers seized hundreds of vape cartridges containing etomidate in Balikpapan. In the operation, police arrested two suspects, FP (38) and MH (28). The suspect MH is a rogue Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer serving at Supadio Airport in Pontianak, West Kalimantan. East Kalimantan Police Chief Brigadier General Endar Priantoro stressed that the case is a serious concern due to a new modus operandi targeting young people. “We are committed to eradicating all forms of narcotics trafficking to protect society, especially the youth, from the threat of drug abuse,” Endar stated in a press release on Wednesday (27/5). East Kalimantan Police Narcotics Investigation Director Kompol Romylus Tamtelahitu explained that the arrests began with a public report. The Subdit I Operational Team of Ditresnarkoba apprehended FP in the parking lot of Horison Ultima Hotel in Balikpapan on Monday, 13 April 2026. “During the search of FP, officers found a backpack containing 115 etomidate vape cartridges. The suspect confessed to being ordered by a person with the initials E in Samarinda to collect the drugs from Pontianak,” Romylus said. The investigation then led to West Kalimantan. On Wednesday, 15 April 2026, police arrested MH in Pontianak. The rogue AVSEC officer admitted to assisting the smuggling of the illicit goods on the orders of a man with the initials O, who is now a Person Wanted (DPO). MH was found to have received a payment of Rp24.1 million via bank transfer. In addition to the narcotics evidence, police seized a Samsung Galaxy A56 5G phone. Urine tests confirmed both suspects had consumed narcotics. Investigators are currently probing possible involvement of others in the network. The two suspects face charges under Article 119 (2) of Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics in conjunction with the latest Criminal Code (KUHP). They face severe prison sentences for acting as intermediaries and possessing over five grams of Class II narcotics.