Jakarta, Dec. 16 -- Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Tuesday, issued a strong public warning about the growing circulation of drug-laced vape cartridges containing the powerful anesthetic etomidate.

The warning follows a major seizure of 8,500 illicit vape refill cartridges smuggled through air cargo routes and intercepted at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

A joint operation by BNN and the National Police has arrested the distributor responsible for circulating the etomidate-contaminated cartridges.

"These illegal vape cartridges are already widespread," BNN Chief Suyudi Ario Seto said during an event at SMPN 70 senior high school, Jakarta, Tuesday.

"BNN, the National Police, and other...