Jakarta. Indonesian police have uncovered a suspected drug distribution operation after responding to a reported kidnapping case involving a teenage girl in North Jakarta, authorities said on Monday.

The case began early Saturday when officers received a public report of a woman allegedly being held against her will at an apartment in the Ancol area. Police responding to the scene rescued the victim and arrested a 50-year-old foreign national, identified by his initials CH. His nationality was not immediately disclosed.

The victim, a 17-year-old girl, also alleged sexual abuse during the incident. She has since been evacuated and is receiving medical treatment and psychological assistance, police said.

During a search of the apartment, officers discovered narcotics, including around five grams of methamphetamine and hundreds of vape cartridges containing etomidate — a sedative that authorities say is being misused as a new type of drug.

A follow-up search later the same morning led to the seizure of 321 vape cartridges believed to be ready for distribution, along with liquid etomidate, mixing substances, and simple production equipment.

Police said the case, initially treated as a kidnapping, has expanded into a broader investigation into drug abuse and trafficking. The probe is being handled by North Jakarta Police in coordination with the Jakarta Police’s narcotics unit.

“We are continuing to investigate the possibility of a larger network, including potential links to an international drug syndicate,” police spokesperson Budi Hermanto said.

Authorities suspect the seized cartridges were part of a wider distribution network, as some countries have reported similar misuse of etomidate in electronic cigarettes.

The suspect and evidence are now in custody as investigators pursue further leads, including possible additional storage sites linked to the operation.

Police have urged public oversight of the case to ensure transparency, while vowing to expand the investigation to dismantle any broader trafficking network.

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