That night, in a narrow alley in Kembangan, West Jakarta, two 17-year-old teenagers looked anxious as police patrols approached. From inside the backpack of one of them, police found a plastic bag containing dried spices with a chemical aroma. That was synthetic tobacco — a new type of drug that has become a nightmare for law enforcement and parents.
Personnel from Metro Jakarta Barat Police arrested the two teenagers on Tuesday (12/3) night. They were immediately taken to the police station for urine tests and further examinations. The head of the Narcotics Division of Metro Jakarta Barat Police, Kompol Rovan Richard Mahenu, confirmed that the seized evidence was ready-to-use synthetic tobacco, not marijuana or regular tobacco.
Teenagers Become Primary Targets of 'Gorilla' Distribution
The phenomenon of synthetic tobacco abuse among Jakarta teenagers is not the first case. In early 2024 alone, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) recorded at least 15 similar cases in the Jabodetabek area. Synthetic tobacco — often called *gorilla* or *synthetic weed* — is made by spraying psychoactive chemicals onto dried tobacco leaves. Its price is low, its effects are quick, and it is easily obtainable through social media.
"They can order from school friends, pay with pocket money, and have it delivered via online ride-hailing. It's very easy," said an investigator from Metro Jakarta Barat Police who did not want to be named. The innocence on the faces of the two teenagers contrasted with the fact that they had already become part of the synthetic drug distribution chain.
Its Effects Are Not 'Euphoria' — But Brain and Kidney Damage
Synthetic tobacco is not just 'super tobacco'. The chemicals used, such as AB-CHMINACA or JWH-018, are synthetic compounds designed to mimic the effects of THC in marijuana — but with dozens of times stronger potency. Side effects can include severe hallucinations, convulsions, acute psychosis, and even permanent kidney damage.
Dr. Santoso, a psychiatrist handling drug addiction cases at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, explained, "Teenage patients using synthetic tobacco often come in with symptoms of acute schizophrenia. Some are unaware that what they are inhaling is chemical poison, not natural plants."
In the United States, synthetic tobacco has been banned since 2011, but in Indonesia, regulations are still overlapping. Synthetic tobacco is not explicitly listed in Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, so authorities often use layered articles to prosecute offenders.
Police Arrest Hundreds of Packages — But Surveillance System Still Has Gaps
Metro Jakarta Barat Police admitted that they continue to conduct preventive operations in high-risk areas, such as schools and shopping centers. In the last three months, they have seized more than 100 packages of synthetic tobacco from various small dealers. However, according to Kompol Rovan, eradication cannot rely solely on the police.
"Families and schools must be more sensitive. Signs of children using synthetic narcotics are often ignored. For example, drastic behavioral changes, a chemical smell from the mouth, or simple inhalation devices made from mineral water bottles," he said.
The two teenagers arrested are now undergoing mandatory rehabilitation. However, a big question remains: how many more 'rats' are still hiding? Jakarta, with millions of teenagers and unlimited digital access, is a fertile ground for synthetic narcotics. Collaboration from all parties is needed — not just periodic arrests.
The night in Kembangan has ended, but the story of these teenagers has only just begun. They were lucky to be caught before an overdose. But how many are not as lucky?