Drug-laced vape cartridges in snack packs from Malaysia seized in Batam

 Indonesian authorities say the seizure uncovered a novel method used by the syndicate to distribute drugs.

The six suspects detained by Indonesian narcotic officers in Batam. (BNN pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Indonesian authorities have seized etomidate-laced vape cartridges and other narcotics worth an estimated Rp5.1 billion (RM1.16 million) during a joint anti-drug operation in Batam, Riau Islands, officials said.

Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency deputy for eradication Aswin Sipayung said officers seized 170 etomidate-laced vape cartridges concealed inside snack food packs.

He said this was the work of an international drug trafficking syndicate allegedly smuggling the drugs from Malaysia, Bernama reported.

The joint operation with the directorate-general of customs and excise resulted in the arrest of six Indonesian suspects. Two foreign nationals believed to be the syndicate’s main suppliers remain at large, Aswin said.

He said the syndicate employed a relatively new method by smuggling etomidate liquid and vape cartridges from Malaysia through illegal “rat ports”.

“To evade detection, the items were concealed inside snack food packs.

“The vape cartridges were repackaged using plastic heat-sealing equipment to resemble packaged snack products. This is a very sophisticated attempt to conceal drugs,” he said.

Simultaneous raids were conducted at four locations in Batam.

Officers also seized 12 vials of etomidate, 1,076.18g of MDMA powder, 50g of methamphetamine, 10 ecstasy pills, 86 Happy Five pills, 25.6g of ketamine, 88 vape devices and packaging equipment.

Aswin said the suspects are being investigated under Indonesia’s narcotics law, which carries a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment. - FMT