JAKARTA, LITERASIHUKUM.COM — Head of the National Narcotics Board (BNN) Police Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto encourages the consideration of banning vapes in the discussion of the Draft Law on Narcotics and Psychotropics. This encouragement stems from the BNN's finding that e-cigarettes are increasingly being used as a medium for the abuse of narcotics and new psychoactive substances, no longer just a nicotine consumption device. The BNN itself has previously stated that vapes have become a “new medium” for consuming drugs and new psychoactive substances.

The finding of 341 liquid vape samples is the basis for concern

The National Narcotics Board (BNN) stated that the laboratory test results on 341 vape liquid samples showed worrying findings. Of that number, 11 samples contained synthetic cannabinoid, 1 sample contained methamphetamine or crystal meth, and 23 samples contained etomidate. Suyudi also assessed that vapes are very problematic because they function as camouflage devices: from the outside, it looks like a person is smoking a regular e-cigarette, but the cartridge can contain liquid crystal meth, etomidate, or other chemical substances that are classified as narcotics.

In a number of previous public statements, the BNN has affirmed the narrative that vapes as smoking cessation devices have not been proven scientifically effective. On the contrary, the agency sees vapes as opening a new door for the consumption of addictive substances that are more dangerous and more difficult to detect in public spaces.