BNN arrests 6 in vaping cartridge smuggling ring from Malaysia
Authorities seized 170 etomidate cartridges and other narcotics worth Rp5,1 miliar, while two foreign suppliers remain at large.
BNN, together with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, dismantled a smuggling network trafficking vape cartridges filled with etomidate liquid from Malaysia to Batam, Kepulauan Riau, and arrested six suspects. The raids took place at four locations on Tuesday, July 28, after officers received intelligence about the illegal shipment arriving by sea. According to BNN Deputy for Eradication Aswin Sipayung, the syndicate used illegal routes or small ports and repackaged the cartridges with a plastic press machine to make them look like snack packaging. Seized evidence included 170 etomidate cartridges, 12 vials of etomidate, 1.076,18 grams of MDMA, 50 grams of methamphetamine, 10 ecstasy pills, 86 Happy Five pills, 25,6 grams of ketamine, and 88 vape devices. BNN estimated the value of the evidence at Rp5,1 miliar and said two foreign nationals identified as SL and WKC are suspected of being the main suppliers.