Inp.polri.go.id - Batam.  The Riau Islands Regional Police are on alert for the circulation of “zombie” electronic cigarettes containing etomidate, a powerful sedative that can cause users to lose consciousness and appear zombie-like.

“We remain vigilant against the entry of etomidate vapes, but so far we have not found them circulating in Kepri,” said Riau Islands Police Director of Narcotics Senior Superintendent Anggoro Wicaksono, on Sunday (10/8/2025). “Cases we’ve handled only reached the stage of unconsciousness in users.”

These vapes have been detected among young adults, but not yet students, according to antaranews.com

Authorities are working with the local Education Agency to warn schools of the dangers, as seen in similar cases in Singapore and Malaysia. Etomidate is not classified as a narcotic but is a prescription-only drug banned from over-the-counter sales in Indonesia.

Recent seizures include 176 pods in January, 225 vape liquids in June, and over 3,200 units smuggled fr