Indonesian Police Chief urges MUI to ban vapes over drug concerns

Indonesian National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto has requested the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) to issue a fatwa declaring vapes or electronic cigarettes ‘haram’ (forbidden). The request follows concerns that vapes are being used as a cover for the distribution of liquid narcotics.

General Suyudi stated that drug trafficking has transitioned from solid to liquid forms, including liquid methamphetamine and cannabis extracts. He noted that the variety of scents and packaging makes it difficult for law enforcement and the National Narcotics Board (BNN) to distinguish between legal e-cigarettes and those containing narcotics. He described the smuggling of these substances as a ‘covert war’ by international networks intended to damage the nation’s future.

In response to the police chief’s visit, KH Hasrorun Niam Sholeh, the MUI Head of Fatwa, stated that the council will follow up on the request through in-depth discussions using various approaches.