Highly addictive vape liquid linked to dangerous sedative detected in multiple smuggling cases
Police in the Riau Islands are warning the public about the circulation of “zombie” vapes containing etomidate, a powerful sedative that can leave users unconscious and unable to function normally. Recent seizures in Batam reveal smuggling routes from Malaysia and local illicit production.
Dangerous Substance in Vape Liquids
Etomidate is a prescription-only sedative typically used in hospitals to induce unconsciousness before surgery. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it should only be administered by trained medical professionals via intravenous injection. Inhaling it through vape liquids is illegal and dangerous, with effects ranging from dizziness and confusion to respiratory failure and death.
Cases in the Riau Islands
The Riau Islands Police (Polda Kepri) detected the circulation of etomidate vapes earlier this year. In January 2025, officers seized 176 vape pods containing the substance. On 6 June, police raided a mini-lab in Batam producing etomidate vape liquid and confiscated 225 packs imported from Malaysia. The most recent bust occurred on 4 July, when police arrested a Batam ferry port officer and a Singaporean passenger attempting to smuggle 3,205 etomidate vapes from Malaysia.
Not Yet in Schools, But Youth at Risk
Director of Narcotics Investigation for Polda Kepri, Kombes Pol. Anggoro Wicaksono, confirmed the vapes are mainly circulating among young adults, with no cases found among students so far. To prevent spread in schools, police are working with the local Education Office to hold drug awareness sessions directly in classrooms.
Why It’s Called a ‘Zombie’ Vape
Jakarta police, who have also investigated similar cases, report that high doses of etomidate can cause “zombie-like” symptoms — trembling, loss of consciousness, and inability to think or control one’s actions. Just one inhale can trigger effects, and heavy use in a single day can render a person immobile.
Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Etomidate use without medical supervision can trigger severe allergic reactions, dangerously low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and uncontrolled muscle movements. It can also interact dangerously with alcohol, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, painkillers, and other sedatives. Even mild side effects like nausea or injection site irritation should be taken seriously if inhaled in vapor form.
Law Enforcement Response
Polda Kepri stresses that while etomidate is not classified as a narcotic under Indonesian law, it is still a controlled prescription drug prohibited from public sale under the Health Law. Smuggling and distributing it through vapes can carry criminal penalties. Authorities are urging the public to report suspicious vape sales and warning that enforcement will continue across ports, logistics routes, and local stores.
The discovery of etomidate-laced vapes in Batam highlights the evolving tactics of drug traffickers and the urgent need for public awareness. For communities in Indonesia and neighboring Singapore, understanding the health risks and legal consequences is crucial to stopping this dangerous trend before it reaches more vulnerable groups.
Sources: Gokepri.com (2025) , Tempo.co (2025)
Keywords: Zombie Vape, Etomidate, Kepri, Batam, Police, Drug Smuggling
