BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM - The Lubuk Baja Police Sector has uncovered a suspected narcotics-related case involving the distribution of vape cartridges allegedly containing the substance etomidate. Investigators from the Criminal Investigation Unit (Reskrim) of the Lubuk Baja Police arrested two suspects at separate locations and seized numerous pieces of evidence during the investigation.
Lubuk Baja Police Chief Kompol Deni Langie led a press conference on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. WIB, regarding the case at the lobby of the
Lubuk Baja Police Headquarters under the jurisdiction of
Polresta Barelang. He was accompanied by the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of
Lubuk Baja Police, Ipda Gihon Sahatma Togu Lumban Raja, and Ipda Ferdinand Leonard Manurung.
In his statement, Kompol Deni Langie said the police uncovered the case following information from members of the public regarding the alleged abuse of narcotics in the form of vape cartridges suspected of containing etomidate.
After receiving the report, the operational investigation team from the Criminal Investigation Unit of
Lubuk Baja Police immediately conducted an inquiry. The investigation eventually led to the arrest of two suspects at different locations and the seizure of several items believed to be linked to the alleged criminal activity.
Public Tip Leads Police to Investigation
The case investigation began on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at around 3:00 p.m. WIB. At that time, the operational investigation team of
Lubuk Baja Police, led by Ipda Gihon Sahatma Togu Lumban Raja, received information regarding suspected narcotics abuse at Nagoya Inn Hotel, Lubuk Baja District.
Following the information, officers conducted an investigation at the location. As a result of the operation, police arrested a 30-year-old man identified by the initials HAU.
During a search of HAU, officers discovered two THUGS-brand vape cartridges suspected of containing etomidate. After securing the evidence, police continued their investigation to identify other possible individuals involved.
The officers then proceeded to a residential area at Perumahan Griya KDA Number A1/4, Sekupang District. Another search was carried out at the location, resulting in the arrest of a 60-year-old man identified by the initials M.
From the house controlled by M, officers seized 72 THUGS-brand vape cartridges, also suspected of containing etomidate. Both suspects, along with all confiscated evidence, were taken to the
Lubuk Baja Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings in accordance with applicable regulations.
UNVEILING SUSPECTED ETOMIDATE VAPE DISTRIBUTION: Lubuk Baja Police Chief Kompol Deni Langie explains the investigation into a suspected vape cartridge abuse case allegedly containing etomidate based on information received from the public. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Police Seize Dozens of Vape Cartridges and Other Evidence
During the investigation, police confiscated a total of 74 vape cartridges containing liquid in gold-colored packaging with printed images. The products are suspected of containing a Category II narcotic substance, namely etomidate.
In addition to the vape cartridges, investigators secured other items allegedly connected to the case. These included a black 2004 Honda Jazz vehicle with license plate BP 1185 HY.
Police also seized a silver Samsung A05 mobile phone, a black Vivo mobile phone with a SIM card, and cash amounting to Rp194,000.
The cash consisted of three Rp50,000 banknotes, one Rp10,000 banknote, four Rp5,000 banknotes, and nine Rp2,000 banknotes.
Investigators also confiscated a light blue Aqua washing machine, which is suspected to have a connection with the case.
SEIZURE OF VAPE CARTRIDGES SUSPECTED OF CONTAINING ETOMIDATE: The operational investigation team of
Lubuk Baja Police secures 74 vape cartridges and other evidence related to the suspected narcotics case. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Investigators Probe Possible Distribution Network
Police Chief Kompol Deni Langie stated that investigators are applying Article 609 Paragraph (2) Letter b and Article 610 Paragraph (2) Letter b of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHPidana) against both suspects.
Based on the alleged offenses, the two suspects face a minimum prison sentence of five years in accordance with applicable legal provisions.
Currently, investigators are continuing to deepen their inquiry to uncover possible networks or additional individuals involved in the distribution of vape cartridges allegedly containing etomidate.
At the conclusion of the press conference, Kompol Deni Langie urged the public not to participate in the abuse or distribution of narcotics of any kind, including vape products containing dangerous substances.
"The public is also encouraged to immediately report to the police if suspicious activities are found in their surroundings," said Kompol Deni Langie.
Polresta Barelang reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening law enforcement efforts against all forms of narcotics-related crimes in order to maintain security and public order. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Dalil Harahap | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala