Batam officials detain Singapore woman carrying drug-laced vape cartridges

Batam Customs and Excise officials detained a Singaporean woman, referred to as WSB, when she disembarked at Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal in Batu Ampar district on the final ferry from Singapore on Sept. 3. The enforcement head, Lucky Tamo, noted that her awkward walk raised suspicion, leading officers to find 40 vape cartridges hidden in her crotch area. The compliance head, Setiawan Rosyidi, confirmed the contraband was strapped to her body and that laboratory testing verified the presence of etomidate, a class II narcotic.

Authorities said the suspect managed to bypass surveillance at Singapore’s HarbourFront Centre before boarding. The seized items were later destroyed at a police headquarters ceremony.