A Medical Anesthetic Being Abused
Etomidate is a drug used for anesthesia, administered by injection into the bloodstream. In the medical world, the substance is used to sedate patients before surgery, intubation, or other major medical procedures.
Etomidate works by inhibiting central nervous system activity, leading to reduced brain activity and eventually unconsciousness. For that reason, the drug may only be used by medical personnel in healthcare facilities under controlled doses.
The substance is now in the spotlight, however, because it is being abused. Etomidate is mixed into vape cartridges for inhalation, pursued for a relaxing to euphoric sensation within a short time.
Why It Is Called the Shaking Pod
Etomidate-laced vapes are popularly known as 'pod getar' (shaking pods). According to BNN's laboratory center chief Brigadier General Supiyanto, the name comes from the body tremors the substance causes after inhaling, and how quickly it renders someone unconscious or asleep.
Physician and health influencer dr. Adam Prabata explained that etomidate is currently among the most frequently abused drugs. He noted that 86.4 percent of etomidate abuse cases involve people under 35.
Etomidate cartridges are sold on the black market at fantastic prices, ranging from Rp3 million to Rp6 million per unit. The high price has not dampened the illegal market targeting young people.
Dangers and Distribution Methods
Abusing etomidate is extremely dangerous when consumed outside medical supervision. Sudden side effects can include loss of consciousness, seizures, blackouts, and uncontrollable body tremors.
Long-term use risks dependence, central nervous system depression like other narcotics, damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, and potentially death. There is no safe dose for non-medical use.
Its distribution exploits the popularity of vaping: modern designs with fruity and candy flavors, usable in public spaces without a pungent smell, making the contents difficult to detect with the naked eye by teachers, parents, or authorities.
Legal Status and Authorities' Response
Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) classifies etomidate as a class-II narcotic under Health Minister Regulation No. 15 of 2025. Its distribution and abuse therefore constitute narcotics crimes.
In response to the rampant circulation, BNN chief Suyudi Ario Seto has proposed including vapes and their liquids in the prohibition regulated under the Narcotics and Psychotropics Bill. The regulation, however, is still under deliberation.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has declared vape use haram if it is proven to contain narcotics and dangerous substances. The case of influencer Julia Prastini, alias Jule, arrested by the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police narcotics unit over alleged etomidate abuse, is a reminder that this threat is real and close.
