Malaysian National Arrested for Manufacturing Illicit Drug-Laced Vapes in Tebet

The Narcotics Investigation Directorate of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police has uncovered a home industry operation producing vapes containing the narcotic etomidate in the Tebet area, South Jakarta. Police arrested a Malaysian national, identified by the initials LYL (42), in connection with the case.

AKBP Ade Candra, Head of Sub-directorate 3 of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Narcotics Directorate, stated that the case was revealed following reports from the public regarding suspected narcotics transactions frequently occurring at the location. Police subsequently conducted surveillance at the site.

As a result of the investigation, police discovered activities suspected to be related to narcotics transactions and immediately arrested LYL (42).

“Polda Metro Jaya has once again uncovered a home industry for the production of Class II narcotics, specifically etomidate, at several locations across two crime scenes in South Jakarta, securing one suspect with the initials LYL (42), a Malaysian citizen,” Ade said in a statement on Tuesday (1/9/2026).

During the search, police found a number of cartridges suspected to contain etomidate as well as etomidate powder. Following further investigation, police moved to LYL’s residence in the South Jakarta area.

At that location, police discovered additional evidence related to the production and distribution of etomidate. In total, police seized 131 cartridges containing etomidate, various packaging materials, and 10 packets of suspected etomidate powder.

Police also found various pieces of equipment used in the production process, including measuring cylinders, syringes, stoves, pressing machines, digital scales, packaging plastic, cartridge caps, and various solvent liquids in several flavours.

These findings, according to Ade, strengthen the suspicion that the location was used not only for storage but was also involved in the manufacturing or processing of cartridges containing etomidate.

“We have secured evidence of Class II narcotics, specifically etomidate, consisting of 131 pieces, along with production tools ready for the manufacture of Class II etomidate,” he said.

The suspect and the evidence have been taken into custody at the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Headquarters. The police are currently conducting further investigations.