DENPASAR, BALINEWS — The Denpasar City National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has handled four cases involving the distribution of etomidate in Bali, highlighting growing concerns over the circulation of the new psychoactive substance in liquid form and its potential concealment in electronic cigarette cartridges.
Head of the Denpasar City BNN, Commissioner Dr. Leo Dedy Defretes, S.H., S.I.K., M.H., disclosed the cases during the monthly Ngopi Santuy discussion organized by the Bali chapter of the Online Journalists Association (IWO) in Renon, Denpasar, on Wednesday (September 30, 2026).
“There have been four cases in Bali that have been handled,” Leo said.
He explained that etomidate is a new psychoactive substance (NPS) that was previously used in the medical field as an anesthetic. Its misuse and illegal distribution have increasingly drawn the attention of law enforcement authorities.
According to Leo, etomidate was classified as a Category II narcotic in Indonesia in late 2025 under Ministry of Health regulations following reports of its misuse.
Etomidate Linked to Vape Liquid
Leo said the distribution of etomidate has become a particular concern because its circulation has followed the trend of electronic cigarette use.
“This phenomenon could become explosive or develop in an uncontrolled manner. The modus operandi is currently following the electronic cigarette trend,” he said.
The transformation of narcotics into liquid form also makes them more difficult to identify visually.
“When it is in liquid form, it is very difficult to distinguish by sight. It has to undergo laboratory testing,” Leo said.
He said the development presents a new challenge for both authorities and the public because narcotics are no longer necessarily found in recognizable forms such as crystals or plant material.
The situation has also prompted the BNN to urge families and schools to increase awareness of electronic cigarette use among children and teenagers.
Leo said etomidate could cause hallucinations and, at certain doses, cause a person to lose consciousness.
“The effect can cause hallucinations. At certain levels of use, a person can suddenly collapse or lose consciousness. That poses a risk and can damage health,” he said.
Four Cases Linked to Shipping Services
In handling the four cases in Bali, Leo said some of the etomidate entered the island through delivery services.
The BNN subsequently conducted monitoring and enforcement measures in accordance with legal procedures and identified individuals allegedly connected to the distribution network.
Leo also said etomidate was relatively expensive, with prices in the cases handled by the BNN reaching approximately Rp5 million.
“The distribution is found among certain groups, particularly those with financial means. In the cases we handled, the price of etomidate was around Rp5 million,” he said.
Two Denpasar Areas Classified as Red Zones
In addition to monitoring the circulation of new types of narcotics, the Denpasar City BNN has mapped areas considered vulnerable to narcotics distribution.
Leo identified Pemogan and Pemecutan Klod as two areas classified as red zones based on the narcotics vulnerability index used by the BNN.
“Based on the narcotics distribution vulnerability index, Pemogan is one of the areas classified as a red zone. Pemecutan Klod is also included. The other areas remain in the vulnerable or alert categories,” he said.
According to Leo, narcotics use in Denpasar is largely concentrated among people of productive age, with the affected age range beginning at around 15 or 16 and extending into the 40s.
“We see that use is most prevalent among people of productive age. The segment is around that age range,” he said.
BNN Expands Community and Family Intervention
The Denpasar City BNN is carrying out direct interventions in areas considered highly vulnerable. The measures include public education and the Community-Based Intervention (IBM) program.
Through the program, residents are encouraged to develop the ability to identify potential narcotics threats and take preventive measures within their own communities.
“The community must be able to protect itself and its environment. The intervention is community-based,” Leo said.
The BNN is also encouraging all 43 villages and urban villages in Denpasar to become Bersinar areas — an acronym for Bersih dari Narkoba, or “Drug-Free.”
The prevention program targets not only village and urban-village administrations but also families. Leo said families serve as the first line of defense against children and teenagers being exposed to narcotics.
Parents Urged to Watch for Behavioral Changes
Leo urged parents not to wait until their children become victims before taking preventive measures.
He said one symptom that should raise concern is sudden trembling or seizures following suspected exposure to certain substances.
“If a child suddenly has seizures or begins shaking, parents should be alert. This is what is known as ‘narkoba getar’ or drug-induced shaking,” he said.
However, Leo stressed that the contents of a liquid cannot be determined solely from its physical appearance.
“When it is in liquid form, it is very difficult to distinguish by sight. It must undergo laboratory testing,” he said.
He therefore urged members of the public not to examine or draw conclusions about suspicious substances on their own, but instead to report them to the relevant authorities.
BNN Calls for Broader Community Involvement
Leo emphasized that combating narcotics cannot be the responsibility of the BNN alone. Government institutions, schools, communities and families all need to participate in building a prevention system.
The Denpasar City BNN is also implementing the Sobat Bersinar program and the Anti-Narcotics Curriculum Integration (IKAN) initiative to strengthen students’ awareness and ability to resist narcotics abuse.
“The fight against narcotics cannot be carried out by the BNN alone. Every element of society, including families, must be involved,” Leo said.
He added that the strategy should not focus solely on arresting traffickers and dealers, but also on ensuring that young people have sufficient knowledge and resilience to avoid becoming victims.
“We have to build resilience in each individual. Parents should not wait until their children or family members have been exposed or become victims before they become concerned,” he said.
According to Leo, early prevention is necessary so that children can recognize risks, resist inducements, report indications of narcotics distribution and have the confidence to say no.
“The fight against narcotics is not only about arresting offenders, but also about preventing our children and future generations from becoming victims,” he said.
