Police and customs officers at Soekarno-Hatta Airport have uncovered a network producing vapes containing THC in Bali. THC is a substance found in cannabis and has a narcotic effect.
The production site was found at a villa in the south of the island. The case began in Jakarta: on 13 April, a US citizen with the initials BSM, who had arrived from Bangkok, was detained at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. This led police to the villa where investigators believe he was producing vape liquid.
Two other foreign nationals were later detained — Tunisian citizens with the initials GNH and AEP. According to investigators, one was responsible for sales and supplies, while the other worked as a courier. The products were offered through social media and expat communities in Bali. Deliveries were arranged via couriers, online taxis and dead-drop locations.
During the search, police seized THC liquid, ready-made cartridges, cannabis, MDMA, LSD, ecstasy and equipment, including a portable stove, measuring cups, glycerine, empty cartridges and packaging materials.
According to investigators, the production site had been operating since 2023 and may have produced around 2,000 cartridges a month. Each vape was sold for about 5 million rupiah. Police estimate the possible turnover at tens of billions of rupiah per year.
Police are also investigating the suspected suppliers of the raw materials. One person with the initials SR has been placed on the wanted list. Those detained could face up to 20 years in prison, life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Indonesia is already discussing tighter controls on vapes. In April, the head of the National Narcotics Agency, Suyudi Ario Seto, proposed banning e-cigarettes and vape liquids because of the risk of drugs being distributed through such devices. Industry representatives argued that the problem lies with illegal liquids without excise stamps.
Source: news.detik.com
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