Vapes Become New Medium for Drug Use: BNN

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Drug trafficking has increasingly infiltrated electronic cigarettes, or vapes, which are growing in popularity among the public. The Indonesian National Narcotics Agency (BNN) says the devices have become a new medium for consuming narcotics and new psychoactive substances (NPS).

BNN Chief Comr. Gen. Suyudi Ario Seto made the statement during a focus group discussion at the agency’s headquarters in Jakarta on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

“We have found undeniable evidence that vapes have become an effective means or new medium for consuming narcotics and new psychoactive substances,” Suyudi said.

He rejected claims that vaping helps people quit smoking, describing the narrative as scientifically unproven.

“I emphasize that the narrative portraying vapes as a smoking cessation tool is an illusion that has not been proven effective scientifically. Instead, these products have opened a new gateway,” he said.

Suyudi explained that vape devices make it difficult to detect their contents, partly because of the fragrant vapor they emit. “People can use them anywhere because they smell pleasant. Others may think someone is simply vaping, when in fact the liquid contains narcotics,” he said.

According to BNN findings, some vape liquids contain addictive substances such as liquid methamphetamine, etomidate and other narcotics. “It appears as though someone is using an e-cigarette, but the liquid may contain methamphetamine, etomidate or other chemical narcotics,” he said.

Suyudi added that vapes have become a discreet alternative to conventional drug consumption tools such as bongs.

From a chemical standpoint, he said, vape liquid or e-liquid is a “chemical cocktail” that may contain nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin and various flavoring substances, including diacetyl, acetylpyridine and benzaldehyde, which pose health risks.

“From the perspective of chemical substances, vape liquid is a chemical cocktail,” he said, warning that some ingredients carry significant health risks. ***