Vape Devices Infiltrated with Narcotics Targeting Teenagers, BNN Reveals
The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has exposed a phenomenon of electronic cigarette or vape misuse involving the adulteration of liquids with narcotic substances, amid a surge in vape usage particularly amongst teenagers.
The issue was raised by BNN Chief Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto during the opening of a focus group discussion on Electronic Cigarette (Vape) Regulation and Restriction of Dinitrogen Oxide (Whip Pink) Usage, held at BNN headquarters in East Jakarta on Wednesday (18 February 2026).
He highlighted the growing perception that vaping is frequently promoted as a solution to help smokers quit conventional cigarettes. However, he argued that such claims lack a strong scientific basis and have the potential to mislead the public, particularly young people who regard vaping as a safer alternative.
“I wish to emphasise here that the narrative of vaping as a smoking cessation aid is an illusion that has not been proven scientifically effective,” said Suyudi.
Suyudi warned that vape use could instead serve as a gateway to new forms of addiction. Beyond nicotine, the devices are considered vulnerable to misuse through the addition of other high-risk substances.
“On the contrary, this product actually opens a new gateway to addiction to other, more dangerous addictive substances,” he said.
The former Banten Police Chief stated that vape liquid is a mixture of chemical compounds, which pose risks to lung health.
“From a chemical substance perspective, vape liquid is a chemical cocktail. It contains nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, as well as flavouring agents such as diacetyl, acetyl propionyl, and benzaldehyde, which pose high risks to lung health,” he said.
“Even more dangerous are the new packaging formats that have been infiltrated by drug dealers, who deliberately insert refills or cartridges specially designed to contain liquids laced with narcotics and new psychoactive substances (NPS), which are clearly extremely dangerous,” Suyudi continued.
Suyudi also revealed that vapes have become a camouflage for narcotics. He noted that the traditional glass pipe known as a bong is being abandoned, with drug users now turning to vape devices.
“Previously, we observed the phenomenon of people using crystal methamphetamine with a device called a bong. That phenomenon is now rather outdated. They no longer need to make a bong — they use a vape instead, and that is where the problem lies,” Suyudi explained.
“It looks like ordinary vaping, and it even smells pleasant, so it goes undetected. But the contents turn out to be narcotics — it could be liquid methamphetamine, etomidate, or other chemical narcotic substances,” he added.
Suyudi reported that the BNN’s Narcotics Laboratory Centre recently tested 341 vape liquid samples circulating in the field. He stated that the results serve as a stark warning for all.
“Eleven samples were found to contain synthetic cannabinoids (synthetic cannabis), one sample contained methamphetamine, and 23 samples contained etomidate,” he detailed.
Vape Users Surge Tenfold
Suyudi revealed that surveys show vape usage in Indonesia has surged up to tenfold. He cited the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted in 2021, released by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“Based on the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) released by the Ministry of Health and WHO, there has been a tenfold increase in the prevalence of electronic cigarette users in Indonesia,” he said.
Suyudi noted that in 2011, the proportion of vape users stood at 0.3 per cent, which by 2021 had leapt to 3 per cent. In absolute terms, approximately 6.6 million people aged 15 and above consume electronic cigarettes or vapes.
“This situation is compounded by data from the Basic Health Research showing an increase in prevalence amongst the 15-19 age group,” he continued.
Push for Strict Regulation
According to Suyudi, courage and regulatory support are needed to prevent vape misuse. He also referenced vape prohibition regulations already implemented in various countries.
“We cannot allow these practices to continue as though they are simply part of societal trends, when in reality this is an effort by drug dealers to make it easier for our people to use narcotics. Indonesia must not become a rubbish bin nation for products that are banned in other countries,” he said.