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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia /Crime & Justice

Indonesia's BNN identifies 178 new drug types, warns on vapes

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has identified 178 new types of narcotics, including substances found in e-cigarettes and vape liquids.
  • These New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) pose a challenge due to their hard-to-detect distribution methods.
  • BNN is recommending a strict prohibition on vape products and aims to cripple drug syndicates financially.

The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) in Indonesia is confronting a new wave of drug trafficking, with perpetrators now using e-cigarettes and vape liquids containing substances like etomidate to distribute illicit drugs. BNN Chief Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto revealed that etomidate is an example of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), a category that includes at least 1,452 known variants globally.

There are at least 1,452 types of NPS.

โ€” Suyudi Ario SetoBNN Chief Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto highlighting the vast number of New Psychoactive Substances globally.

Of these NPS, 178 have been confirmed to have entered Indonesia. Suyudi stated that laboratory tests on vape liquid samples revealed a majority contained synthetic cannabinoids, methamphetamine, and etomidate. This discovery has prompted BNN to recommend a strict prohibition on vape and electronic cigarettes due to their potential for drug distribution.

A total of 178 types have been confirmed entering Indonesia.

โ€” Suyudi Ario SetoSuyudi Ario Seto stating the number of NPS variants identified within Indonesia.

BNN is intensifying its efforts to combat drug trafficking, focusing not only on arrests but also on dismantling the financial power of drug syndicates. Minister of Political and Security Affairs, retired TNI General Djamari Chaniago, affirmed that drug eradication remains a top government priority, crucial for achieving Indonesia's vision of a "Golden Generation" by 2045. He warned that widespread drug abuse would lead to "Indonesia's Anxiety."

BNN has recommended a strict prohibition on vape or electronic cigarettes.

โ€” Suyudi Ario SetoSuyudi Ario Seto explaining BNN's recommendation regarding vape products.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.