Hong Kong is cracking down on a dangerous new drug called “space oil” by adding it to the narcotics law next year. The drug, often found in e-cigarette capsules, contains the harmful anaesthetic etomidate, leading to mental and physical harm. Security Minister Chris Tang Ping-keung announced the update to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance to combat the growing use of space oil.
Etomidate will be categorized as a banned substance, with severe penalties for possession or trafficking. Those caught with space oil could face up to seven years in prison and hefty fines. Tang highlighted the alarming rise in space oil use, particularly among young people, after a decline in Covid-19 cases.
Police have already arrested numerous individuals for possession and sale of space oil, with teenagers being among the offenders. The drug has quickly become a popular choice among youth, ranking third after cannabis and cocaine. The government is taking swift action to eradicate this dangerous trend before it escalates further.