Inp.polri.go.id - Batam.  Riau Islands Regional Police have completed the investigation into the case  of  a port authority official accused of helping smuggle 3,200 vape pods containing etomidate from Malaysia into Batam. 

The case has now been handed over to prosecutors.

“Investigators from our narcotics directorate submitted six suspects, including the Batam Center Port Authority staff member, along with the evidence to the Batam District Prosecutor’s Office,” said Senior Superintendent Anggoro Wicaksono, the Riau Islands Police Director of Narcotics, on Wednesday (24/9/2025).

The official, identified as EMS, allegedly allowed the shipment to bypass inspections at Batam Center International Ferry Port. Suspect EMS and five others, including two Singaporean citizens acting as couriers, face charges under the Health Law carrying up to 12 years in prison.

The smuggling ring was uncovered in June when police arrested a courier linked to the network. Investigation revealed that suspect EMS received a Rp15 million payoff to secure the illicit entry.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)