Speaking on Wednesday, Listyo noted the emergence of ketamine inhalation and the mixing of etomidate with vape liquid, which is then consumed through pods.
Currently, there are no legal provisions regulating the use of these substances, meaning their consumption cannot yet be prosecuted under the criminal code, he explained while overseeing the destruction of confiscated narcotics, seized between October 2024 and October 2025 in Jakarta, Wednesday.
Listyo stated that the National Police is working closely with the Ministry of Health to establish a legal framework for ketamine and etomidate.
Both institutions aim to classify the substances as lethal and include them in the Narcotics Draft Bill.
While the legislative process is underway, the Health Ministry plans to issue a ministerial regulation to address the issue, he confirmed.
“It is expected that in the future, abuse of these two lethal substances can be prosecuted under criminal law,” Listyo said.
In the first year of President Prabowo Subianto administration, the National Police handled 49,306 narcotics cases involving 65,572 suspects, and confiscated a total of 214.84 tonnes of drugs, valued at Rp 29.37 trillion (approximately US$1.77 billion).
Among the seized items were 27.9 kilograms of ketamine and 18 liters of etomidate.
Etomidate is an addictive substance that can cause loss of consciousness. Its effects include damage to vital organs, confusion, tremors, and impaired balance.
President Prabowo Subianto personally observed the destruction of the confiscated drugs, underscoring the government’s firm commitment to protecting Indonesians from the dangers of drug abuse.
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Translator: Nadia Putri Rahmani, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
