The HKSAR government on Friday classified the main ingredient of “space oil” — etomidate — together with three similar substances, as dangerous drugs.
Selling these drugs is punishable by a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of HK$5 million ($642,000).
Space oil is a kind of liquid that is often vaped through e-cigarettes. It can produce transient euphoria and cause addiction, and has become popular amongst youth communities since 2023.
The government gazetted an order on Friday to amend the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, which added etomidate, metomidate, propoxate and isopropoxate as controlled substances.
The order takes effect immediately, and is subject to the negative vetting procedure by the Legislative Council at a later date.
According to the amendment, possession and consumption of these substances will be subject to a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of HK$1 million.
Given the recent abuse of space oil, the government hopes the amendment will significantly enhance deterrence and assist law-enforcement actions against the drug.
During a local radio program on Friday, Commissioner for Narcotics Kesson Lee said that the police have arrested five people since mid-January with the help of rapid test strips that can detect etomidate.
ALSO READ: HK govt plans crackdown on surge in 'space oil' drug abuse
A government spokesperson noted on Tuesday that the HKSAR government has renamed space oil to space oil drugs, in order to clearly inform the public of its toxicity and dangers.
The spokesperson also said that the government has collaborated with various organizations to develop preventive education and publicity strategies targeting space oil drugs, aiming to enhance public awareness.
Executive Director of the Community Drug Advisory Council David Ng Ka-shun said that space oil drugs have been popular in Hong Kong for over two years, with information about them spreading widely among young people. He said he believes classifying etomidate as a drug would have a deterrent effect but would not completely eliminate the drug.
Ng proposed a three-tiered mechanism, motivating parents, teachers, and classmates to give necessary information to teenagers. He also suggested workshops for parents and teachers to help them better understand the drug’s hazards.
On Thursday, Hong Kong Customs arrested a 22-year-old male traveler who returned from Bangkok, for possessing eight kilograms of suspected etomidate.
These substances are believed to be capable of producing 24,000 space oil vape pods, with an estimated market value of around HK$8.4 million.
