A 21-year-old Singaporean woman has been arrested in Batam after Indonesian customs officers allegedly found about 40 vape cartridges containing etomidate concealed in her underwear.
Indonesian media reported that the woman was detained after arriving on the last ferry from Singapore at Harbour Bay International Ferry Terminal on Sept 3.
Batam Customs head of enforcement and investigation Lucky Tamo said officers were profiling incoming passengers when they noticed the woman walking unusually.
A subsequent inspection allegedly uncovered an item concealed in her crotch.
“During a more detailed inspection, we found an item concealed in her crotch,” Lucky was quoted as saying by Indonesian media during a press conference on Sept 17.
The cartridges were later tested and found to contain etomidate, which is classified as a Class II narcotic under Indonesian law, according to the reports.
The woman was subsequently handed over to the Barelang police narcotics unit for further investigation.
Barelang police narcotics unit chief Superintendent Arsyad Riyandi said the woman claimed the drugs were intended for her own consumption while she was in Batam.
However, police said the cartridges had already been opened and were no longer in their original commercial packaging.
“Despite her claim, we are still investigating the origin of the drugs and the possibility of her links to an international drug network,” Arsyad was quoted as saying.
He added that Indonesian law applies equally to foreigners and Indonesians involved in drug-related offences.
