Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Narcotics Board (BNN) proposed a total ban on electronic cigarettes and their liquid components to be codified in the upcoming Narcotics and Psychotropics Bill during a hearing at the House of Representatives (DPR) on Tuesday (7/6/2026).

"Our laboratory tests on 341 liquid samples revealed alarming results, including synthetic cannabinoids, crystal meth, and etomidate, necessitating a complete ban on the devices to curb drug distribution," said BNN Chief Suyudi Ario Seto, as cited by antaranews.com.

The proposal came after the identification of 1,386 new psychoactive substances (NPS) globally, with 175 already detected within Indonesia. 

BNN officials compared the necessity of banning vapes to the regulation of drug paraphernalia, noting that neighboring ASEAN nations like Thailand and Singapore have already implemented similar prohibitions. While etomidate was classified as a Category II narcotic in 2025, current enforcement under health laws offers lighter sentences than narcotics statutes, prompting the push for more rigorous legislative oversight to protect public health.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)