Police Enforcement Strategy Regarding the Misuse of Etomidate as a New Psychoactive Substance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46799/adv.v4i10.692Keywords:
Etomidate, New Psychoactive Substance, Enforcement Strategy, Police, IndonesiaAbstract
The misuse of etomidate through electronic cigarettes in Indonesia has evolved from a clinical concern into a tangible threat to public health and safety. This article examines the characteristics of etomidate misuse as a new psychoactive substance (NPS) and proposes a more adaptive law enforcement strategy for regional police forces. The study employed a literature review covering pharmacology, criminology, narcotics policy, national regulations, reports from international agencies, and official police publications, which were qualitatively analyzed using content analysis. The analytical framework integrated the “ends–ways–means” strategic model, proactive policing, intelligence-led policing, and a criminal policy approach combining penal and non-penal measures. The analysis yielded three key findings. First, etomidate misuse was characterized by concealment within otherwise legal consumption devices, distribution through digital platforms, and the involvement of transnational actors. Second, although the classification of etomidate as a Schedule II narcotic strengthened the legal basis for enforcement, this regulatory development had not been accompanied by commensurate improvements in forensic detection capabilities or interagency coordination. Third, an effective enforcement strategy should incorporate generic scheduling, an interagency early warning system, strengthened criminal intelligence capabilities, and monitoring of digital distribution channels. This article proposes an enforcement model that integrates legal, forensic, intelligence, and operational policing dimensions.
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