BALINEWSID.COM, TANGERANG — Police have uncovered a network allegedly involved in the distribution of electronic cigarettes, or vapes, containing etomidate, arresting four people and seizing a total of 99 vape cartridges suspected of containing the substance.

The case was uncovered by investigators from the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police Narcotics Unit, which operates under the Jakarta Metropolitan Police. Three of those arrested have been named suspects: two Indonesian nationals identified by their initials RR and RN, and a Chinese national identified as XC.

A social media influencer, Julia Prastini, also known as Jule, was arrested as part of the investigation after allegedly using the substance. Police said she tested positive for etomidate and was placed in a rehabilitation program rather than being named a suspect.

Head of the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police Narcotics Unit, Adjunct Police Commissioner Michael Kharisma Tandayu, said investigators began surveillance and tracking the network on Sept. 14, 2026.

Police subsequently arrested RR and RN at an apartment in West Jakarta. Officers seized 27 vape cartridges suspected of containing etomidate during the operation.

Further investigation uncovered evidence of transactions and shipments allegedly sent to Jule. Police then traced the case to Jule and arrested her at an apartment in South Jakarta.

A urine test showed that Jule had tested positive for etomidate, according to police.

Investigators then followed the trail to XC, a Chinese national allegedly connected to the distribution network. Police arrested him and seized another 71 vape cartridges containing a similar substance.

“In total, we arrested four people, three of whom have been named suspects,” Michael said.

Police said the network had been operating since July 2026, distributing the cartridges through a closed network of friends and word-of-mouth contacts.

According to police, the network generated profits of around Rp700,000 (US$43) per cartridge.

The investigation resulted in the seizure of 99 vape cartridges suspected of containing etomidate, with police saying the case had traced the distribution chain from the alleged supplier to the end user.