What is Etomidate, the Substance Linked to Jule's Vape?
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The name of social media influencer Julia Prastini, popularly known as Jule, is currently under scrutiny after being detained by police regarding the use of vapes suspected to contain etomidate. Jule was apprehended as part of an investigation into the distribution of etomidate vape cartridges by the Narcotics Investigation Unit of the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police.
During the disclosure, police discovered one vape cartridge suspected of containing etomidate within a package received by Jule at an apartment in the Cilandak area, South Jakarta. Officers also found one used cartridge at the location.
Jule was subsequently taken to the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police Headquarters for questioning. Urine test results showed that Jule tested positive for etomidate consumption. Police stated that the case is still under investigation, including laboratory testing of the evidence to confirm the contents of the seized cartridges.
So, what exactly is etomidate, and why can this substance be found in vape liquid?
Etomidate is not a substance specifically manufactured for vaping. It is a medication used in the medical field as an anaesthetic, primarily to help induce sedation before medical procedures or surgery.
Etomidate acts on the central nervous and has sedative or calming effects that can lead to loss of consciousness. In medical use, etomidate is administered via intravenous injection and must be administered by trained medical professionals.
The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) explained that etomidate is a potent drug whose use should be strictly under medical supervision. When misused through electronic cigarettes, the substance can cause various harmful effects.
The misuse of etomidate through vaping is not an entirely new phenomenon. The UK’s Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) has noted an increase in etomidate misuse via vaping devices in several Asian countries.
Etomidate, when inhaled via vapour, can provide a sedative effect with a relatively rapid onset. Consequently, the substance has been misused as an ingredient in e-liquid.
However, it must be emphasised that etomidate is not designed to be inhaled through a vape. The ACMD also noted that data regarding the specific pharmacological effects of etomidate via vaping remains limited.
Using etomidate through vaping can lead to several physical effects. BPOM noted several potential symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, respiratory tract irritation, loss of physical coordination, loss of consciousness, and muscle convulsions.
Etomidate is known to affect the body’s steroid hormone production, particularly due to its ability to inhibit certain enzymes involved in cortisol production. Several case reports from Asian countries have found hormonal disturbances in individuals using vapes containing etomidate.
Another issue is that the actual contents of illegal cartridges are not always known to the user. Illegally circulating vape liquids may contain certain substances without clear information regarding their type or concentration.
The case involving Jule is part of an investigation into the distribution of vapes suspected of containing etomidate. Police previously detained two women, identified by the initials RR and RN, in the Kembangan area, West Jakarta, and found 27 cartridges suspected of containing etomidate.
The investigation subsequently led to a Chinese national, identified as XC. At XC’s arrest location, police found 71 cartridges of a similar model.
Meanwhile, the package addressed to Jule was found to contain one cartridge suspected of containing etomidate. Thus, in this series of disclosures, police have seized a total of 99 cartridges suspected of containing etomidate.
BPOM stated it is ready to assist the police, including in the testing of etomidate and providing expert testimony. The agency also mentioned that coordination is being conducted alongside the National Narcotics Board (BNN), Customs, and the police to prevent the misuse of narcotics through electronic cigarettes.
In September 2024, the BNN reported the seizure of 8,276.15 millilitres of etomidate and 3,485 vape cartridges throughout the year. These figures indicate that the misuse of etomidate via vaping is a growing concern for the authorities.