Police uncover clandestine lab producing drug-infused vape cartridges in West Jakarta

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Narcotics Directorate of the Metro Jaya Police successfully dismantled a clandestine laboratory producing vape cartridges containing the class II narcotic etomidate in the Tamansari area, West Jakarta. “In the bust, we secured one suspect with initials S (38) around 19:30 WIB,” said the Head of Subdirectorate 1 of the Narcotics Directorate of the Metro Jaya Police, Commissioner Indah Hartantiningrum, in Jakarta on Sunday. The operation stemmed from public information regarding the suspected misuse of liquid narcotics in a rented room located in Krukut Village, Tamansari Subdistrict. Following up on the information, the Narcotics Directorate of the Metro Jaya Police immediately conducted an investigation and raid at the location. “During the search of the rented room, we found several pieces of evidence including 34 ready-to-distribute cartridges, 49 used refilled cartridges, 550 empty packages of various brands, one bottle of etomidate seed liquid, six bottles of mixed liquid, as well as production tools such as an electric pan, containers, syringes, measuring glasses, and a press tool,” she said. The suspect and evidence have been brought to the Narcotics Directorate of the Metro Jaya Police for further examination. Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations of the Metro Jaya Police, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated that eradicating narcotics is a collective responsibility. “No matter how small the information from the public, it is very useful for the police, starting from the nearest environment and surroundings for us to care together,” Budi revealed. He also urged residents to immediately report potential disturbances to public security and order (kamtibmas) through the Polri Call Center 110, which is active 24 hours a day.