inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, Yandri Susanto, stated his full support for the proposed ban on the distribution of e-cigarettes, or vapes, to prevent the potential for drug abuse in society.

According to him, vapes are currently popular among various groups, especially the younger generation, with the number of users continuing to increase, opening up opportunities for abuse, including as a means of consuming illicit substances.

"Therefore, I agree with the Head of the National Narcotics Agency's (BNN) proposal because vapes do have the potential to be misused in connection with drugs," said Minister Yandri on Thursday (4/9/2026).

He believes that a vape ban needs to be supported by clear legal regulations to provide maximum protection to the public from the growing dangers of drugs.

According to Yandri, the move to include a vape ban in the Narcotics Bill currently being discussed in the House of Representatives (DPR) is a strategic effort to strengthen regulatory aspects.

He also reminded that drug distribution is now not only targeting urban areas but has also penetrated into rural areas. Therefore, he said, more comprehensive anticipatory measures are needed.

"Currently, narcotics have reached rural areas. Therefore, this needs to be a major concern for all of us," said Yandri.

Previously, BNN revealed the presence of narcotics in several vape fluid samples tested in the laboratory.

Of the 341 samples examined, 11 were found to contain cannabinoids, or marijuana, and one sample contained methamphetamine, or crystal methamphetamine. Furthermore, etomidate, a narcotic, was also detected.

These findings indicate a new trend in drug trafficking utilizing e-cigarette devices, requiring serious attention from all stakeholders.

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