Key Highlights
- Etomidate, an anaesthetic, is regulated under the Health Law but not yet classified as a narcotic or psychotropic.
- Bareskrim Polri will continue to act against distribution and misuse of etomidate-laced vapes lacking BPOM permits.
- Police Chief Komjen Syahardiantono has ordered nationwide enforcement on illegal etomidate products.
- Authorities are pushing for reclassification of etomidate into controlled substance lists via the Health Ministry, BNN and BPOM.
- Medical experts warn of addictive potential and severe health impacts, including organ failure and neurological symptoms.
2Firsts, October 22, 2025 — According to ANTARA, Indonesia’s National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim Polri) will continue to take action against users and distributors of etomidate-laced vape products, even though the anaesthetic agent is not yet legally defined as a narcotic.
Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Narcotics Crimes, explained that etomidate is a medical anaesthetic regulated under Health Law No. 17/2023, which governs drugs and medical substances. It is not currently listed as a narcotic or psychotropic, but criminal groups are exploiting this gap to market the substance through vape liquids.
He said the police would still enforce seizures and prosecutions, as etomidate-based products are considered unlicensed pharmaceuticals under BPOM regulations. “Etomidate will still be subject to enforcement,” Eko said, citing orders from Criminal Investigation Chief Komjen Syahardiantono.
He added that the police are coordinating with the Health Ministry, National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and BPOM to provide scientific data for potential reclassification of etomidate as a narcotic or psychotropic substance.
Medical experts note that etomidate carries addictive properties and can cause loss of consciousness, tremors, confusion and unsteady movement. When inhaled through vaping, it may lead to vital organ failure and severe neurological harm.
Photo source: ANTARA
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