Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has warned the public about the dangers of etomidate, a Class II narcotic, being found in refill cartridges for electronic cigarettes, following recent seizures and arrests in Jakarta on Tuesday (16/12/2025). 

Authorities said the substance poses serious health risks when inhaled without medical supervision.

“Etomidate is an anesthetic, and when used in vape liquid without dosage control, it can cause severe and sudden health effects,” BNN Chief Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto said, as quoted by antaranews.com

The joint BNN and  the Indonesian National Police (INP) operation has seized 8,500 refill cartridges containing etomidate that entered Indonesia via Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten. 

The distributor has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing. 

Chief Suyudi stressed that repeated use can lead to dependence and urged students and the public to avoid experimenting with illegal substances. BNN said the case highlights evolving drug trafficking methods targeting young users through seemingly harmless products.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)