KBRN, Jakarta: Indonesian authorities have uncovered an international illicit drug trafficking network using a new modus operandi: disguising ecstasy and etomidate in vape liquids and energy drink packaging.

It was revealed in a joint operation between the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and the government's Directorate General of Customs and Excise and the Directorate General of Immigration. Acting Deputy for Eradication at the agency, Budi Wibowo, said the network was estimated to be capable of producing thousands of vape liquid cartridges based on the evidence seized.

"On average, four to five people can use one cartridge. This means that through this operation, we have saved the nation’s younger generation (up to) approximately 50,000," Budi stated in a press statement on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

The disclosure began with a Christmas and New Year security operation at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, which examined the belongings of passengers from Malaysia. Further investigation led to the raid of a warehouse in North Jakarta, where the two narcotics were mixed within vapes and energy drink packages.

At least two Chinese and one Indonesian are involved, who have now been placed on the wanted list. They are CY as a "chef", ZQ a.k.a. J, as a controller, goods owner, and financier; and H as a warehouse guard.

Each cartridge sells for Rp 2-5 million (about US$119-297), depending on its hazardous substances. Budi further conveyed that there is a possibility that the network was targeting specific groups, particularly vape users. 

"(It is) primarily vape enthusiasts and users, and according to our survey results, more and more of our children and our younger generation are consuming vapes as an alternative to conventional cigarettes, considering it part of a trend," he said.

Under Indonesian law, members of this network may face two penalties, according to Act Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics. These penalties range from five years’ imprisonment to the death sentence.