Batam: Indonesian authorities have seized etomidate-laced vape cartridges and other narcotics worth an estimated Rp5.1 billion (RM1.16 million) during a joint anti-drug operation in Batam, Riau Islands, officials said. Indonesian National Narcotics Agency (BNN) Deputy for Eradication, Insp Gen Dr Aswin Sipayung, revealed that officers discovered 170 etomidate-laced vape cartridges hidden inside snack food packaging, exposing an international drug trafficking syndicate allegedly smuggling the drugs from Malaysia.According to Nam News Network, the joint operation with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise led to the arrest of six Indonesian suspects. However, two foreign nationals, believed to be the main suppliers of the syndicate, remain at large. The syndicate employed a relatively new modus operandi by smuggling etomidate liquid and vape cartridges from Malaysia through illegal rat ports. To avoid detection, the items were concealed inside snack food packaging.The vape cartridges were also repac kaged using plastic heat-sealing equipment to resemble packaged snack products, a sophisticated form of disguise, according to Aswin. The operation was prompted by intelligence regarding the smuggling of illegal goods via a sea route, resulting in simultaneous raids at four locations in Batam.Officers also confiscated 12 vials of etomidate, 1,076.18 grammes of MDMA powder, 50 grammes of methamphetamine, 10 ecstasy pills, 86 Happy Five pills, 25.6 grammes of ketamine, 88 vape devices, and packaging equipment. Aswin stated that the seizure potentially prevented about 13,964 people from drug abuse.The suspects are being investigated under Indonesia's Narcotics Law, which carries a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.