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View all search resultsBNN seeks tighter vape controls under narcotics bill amid drug concerns
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Vape, vaping (Shutterstock/ Dmytro Tyshchenko)
T
he National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has proposed regulating a ban on vaporizers under the narcotics and psychotropics bill, citing the discovery of illegal substances in several vape liquid samples, a move that has drawn pushback from industry players and vaping communities.
BNN head Comr. Gen. Suyudi Ario Seto told a hearing with House of Representatives Commission III overseeing law enforcement last week that vaporizers were increasingly being used to consume drugs. The commission is currently deliberating the bill as part of the 2026 National Legislative Program (Prolegnas).
Of 341 vape liquid samples tested at BNN’s central laboratory, 11 were found to contain synthetic cannabinoids, 23 contained etomidate - an anesthetic used in medical procedures - and one sample tested positive for methamphetamine.
Suyudi said a ban would strengthen efforts to curb drug abuse, noting that etomidate has recently been classified as a class-2 narcotic, while synthetic cannabinoids and methamphetamine fall under the stricter class-1 category.
“If vaping as a medium for drug abuse is prohibited, then the circulation of etomidate can also be significantly reduced,” he said during the April 7 hearing.
Read also: Two arrested in North Sumatra for allegedly producing vape liquid laced with narcotics
Under existing regulations, class-1 narcotics are prohibited for general use and allowed only for research because of their high addictive potential, while class-2 substances may be used as a last resort under strict medical supervision.
