Malaysian National Arrested Over Home-Based Etomidate Vape Cartridge Operation in South Jakarta

Police in South Jakarta have uncovered a home-based operation allegedly producing vape cartridges containing the narcotic etomidate and arrested a 42-year-old Malaysian national identified as LYL.

The investigation began after residents reported suspected drug transactions in Tebet. Police monitored and mapped the area before arresting LYL after identifying activity they believed was linked to narcotics dealing.

During a search, officers found cartridges suspected of containing etomidate and powder believed to be the same substance. A subsequent search of LYL's residence uncovered 131 pieces of the Class II narcotic, along with equipment used to make cartridges.

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The equipment found strengthens the suspicion that the location was not only used for storage, but was also connected to the production or processing of cartridges suspected of containing etomidate.

The seized items included measuring cups, syringes, a stove, a pressing machine, digital scales, packaging materials, cartridge caps and solvents in several flavors. Police said the equipment suggested the location served not only as a storage site but also as a place for processing or producing the suspected etomidate cartridges.

LYL and the evidence were taken to the Jakarta police narcotics directorate for further investigation, said AKBP Ade Candra, deputy head of the directorate's Subdirectorate 3.

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Police secured 131 pieces of the Class II narcotic etomidate, along with production equipment ready to make the Class II narcotic etomidate.