Yuni Rohmawati, Jakarta – The Indonesian province of South Sumatra is in a state of narcotics emergency, with a high prevalence of drug abuse at the national level. One of the concerns for authorities is the narcotics found in the liquid of electronic cigarettes (vape). The trend of using vape in modern lifestyle has become a new gateway for drug crimes.
The Head of the National Narcotics Agency in South Sumatra, Brigadier General Hissar Siallagan, stated that they recently uncovered the distribution of 800 vape liquids containing narcotics in the Banyuasin Regency on December 29, 2025. These packages were intended to be sent from Pekanbaru to Palembang. "This is a real threat. Narcotics can be mixed into vape liquid," he said during an audience with the Palembang City Government on Friday, January 9, 2026.
Hissar explained that the price of vape liquid containing narcotics ranges from Rp4 million to Rp5 million. However, the dealers would initially provide it for free as bait. Hissar urged vape users not to indiscriminately accept electronic cigarette liquid from others, even from close friends. According to him, many victims are trapped by curiosity and free offers in the beginning. "Once they try it, they can get addicted. That's where the trap lies," he said.
In the midst of South Sumatra's narcotics emergency, the ironic part is the low number of voluntary drug users who come for rehabilitation. "Currently, only about 2,000 people per year voluntarily come for rehabilitation. This number is far from ideal," he said.
The National Narcotics Agency emphasizes the importance of social immunity, which includes the courage to refuse and report. Hissar ensured that, in accordance with Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics, drug users who report for rehabilitation will not be prosecuted, arrested, and will receive free rehabilitation services at the National Narcotics Agency.
Palembang city government will form a task force
In response to this threat, the Mayor of Palembang, Ratu Dewa, expressed full support for the establishment of the Palembang City National Narcotics Agency (BNNK). However, as the process of establishing a vertical institution takes time, the City Government chose swift action at the regional level.
"We prepare three strategic steps. First, establishing an Anti-Drug Task Force, which has a similar operational pattern to BNNK. Second, preparing service offices in the Jakabaring Public Service Mall (MPP), under the coordination of the Regional Driving and Community Empowerment Agency (Kesbangpol). Third, preparing human resources resulting from the collaboration between the City Government and the National Narcotics Agency," explained Ratu Dewa.
Furthermore, the City Government will conduct extensive socialization in schools, universities, and the internal environment of civil servants and local communities. "Especially with the emergence of new methods of spreading narcotics through vape. We will intensify our presence in schools," said Ratu Dewa.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2079542/vape-liquids-become-new-gateway-for-drugs-in-south-sumatr