Singaporean woman nabbed in Batam with 40 etomidate vape cartridges in underwear

On September 3, a Singaporean woman arrived on Batam via ferry, and Indonesian customs officers initiated a routine check on her. Officers noticed she was moving strangely and conducted a more thorough examination, discovering approximately 40 vape cartridges containing etomidate concealed in her underwear. Etomidate is classified as a Class II narcotic under Indonesian law, according to reports.

During a press conference on September 17, Lucky Tamo, head of enforcement and investigation at Batam Customs, confirmed the discovery. The woman was subsequently handed over to the Barelang police.

Arsyad Riyandi, chief superintendent of Barelang police's narcotics unit, stated that the suspect claimed the drugs were for her personal use during her stay in Batam. He added that the cartridges were not in their original packaging and had already been opened, despite her claims.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities still trying to determine the source of the drugs and the possibility of her involvement in an international drug network. According to Indonesian law, both foreigners and Indonesians are subject to the same penalties for drug offenses.