Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesian police say forensic tests confirmed that Whip Pink gas canisters contained medical-grade nitrous oxide (N₂O) instead of food-grade gas intended for culinary use.
The National Police Forensic Laboratory and the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) carried out the tests. Investigators said the product failed to meet the requirements of BPOM Circular No. 2 of 2026, which governs food additives.
“The forensic laboratory and BPOM tests confirmed that all cylinders contained pure nitrous oxide meeting medical anaesthesia standards without any food-grade additives,” Brig. Gen. Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Drug Crimes at the National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim), said on Wednesday, July 29.
Investigators also examined the plastic nozzle supplied with the product. Experts concluded that the nozzle did not fit culinary cream dispensers. Instead, they believed its design allowed users to inhale the gas directly.
Police therefore argued that the company used the food additive label to conceal the product’s actual purpose. Investigators said the alleged misrepresentation may have hidden violations of Indonesia’s health laws.
Authorities warned that inhaling nitrous oxide can cause hypoxia, nerve damage, and even death. They urged the public not to misuse the product.
The announcement follows the detention of Andi Hioe and Jasen Hioe, who are linked to PT Suplaindo Sukses Sejahtera (SSS). Police arrested both men on July 22 and charged them under Article 435 of Indonesia’s Health Law.
Investigators also uncovered 16 warehouses storing Whip Pink products across 12 cities. The locations included Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Bali, Medan, Makassar, Yogyakarta, and several other cities.
Police said the products lacked the required BPOM distribution permits. They also estimated that illegal Whip Pink sales generated between Rp2.1 billion and Rp7.1 billion during the past six months.
Investigators continue to gather evidence and identify additional suspects. The case remains under investigation.
