Spark Deep Dive: Hong Kong's efforts to fight space oil's rise in popularity
News: Hong Kong police arrest two teens on drug trafficking charges
The government has classified key ingredients used to make space oil as dangerous drugs to combat its rising use among teens
An 18-year-old man and a 15-year-old girl were arrested in Hong Kong earlier this month for suspected drug trafficking and possession after police seized narcotics worth about HK$278,000 (US$35,780), including ketamine and 'space oil' vape cartridges.
They were arrested at a flat in Yau Ma Tei. Police discovered about 475 grams of suspected ketamine and 121 suspected vape cartridges containing liquid etomidate, a powerful anaesthetic. It has become known in recent years as a common main ingredient in space oil, a drug that has become popular among youngsters. The narcotic is often used in e-cigarette capsules.
Police said the pair would face drug trafficking and possession charges. They would remain in custody as officers continued their investigations.
In another case, a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of producing and trafficking space oil worth HK$200,000 (US$25,740). The arrest followed a raid on a suspected drug manufacturing premise inside a hotel room in North Point.
Space oil does not have a set formula. Drug dealers commonly mix etomidate with other illegal narcotics, such as cannabis and ketamine. They may also mix it with flavoured glycerine – a colourless, odourless liquid – to be used in e-cigarette capsules.
The government has classified etomidate and other key ingredients used to make space oil as dangerous drugs. This puts them in the same category as cocaine. The move is meant to combat its rising use among teens.
Owning or consuming chemicals listed under the Dangerous Drug Ordinance is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of HK$1 million. Those caught trafficking in the listed substances could face life in prison and a HK$5 million fine.
Police officers have been carrying test kits that can detect traces of etomidate since mid-January. It is part of the government's efforts to combat the substance's growing popularity.
Police recorded 278 space oil-related arrests last year, up from just eight in 2023, with 61 arrestees under 21.
Repeated use of the substance poses a danger to users' physical and mental health. It can lead to conditions such as addiction, memory loss, seizures, loss of consciousness and even death.
Staff writers
Question prompts
1. What is the maximum penalty for trafficking substances listed as dangerous chemicals under Hong Kong's Dangerous Drug Ordinance?
A. Seven years in prison and a HK$1 million fine
B. 10 years in prison and a HK$2 million fine
C. Life in prison and a HK$5 million fine
D. 20 years in prison and a HK$3 million fine
2. List TWO measures the Hong Kong government and police have taken to fight the increasing popularity of space oil.
3. What are the consequences of using dangerous drugs such as space oil? Explain using News and your own knowledge.
Photo
People pass by an advertisement on display at Tsim Sha Tsui East MTR Station. Photo: Jelly Tse
Question prompts
1. What is being shown in this picture? What message is it trying to convey?
2. To what extent do you believe this image can help prevent Hong Kong youth from using space oil? Explain using the News, glossary and your own knowledge.
Glossary
narcotic : a drug that affects a person's mood or behaviour and that can be addictive
etomidate : a powerful drug that has become known in recent years as a common main ingredient in space oil, a recreational drug that has rapidly become popular among youngsters.
anaesthetic: a substance that reduces one's sensitivity to pain, typically used during medical procedures to numb sensation.
Sample answers
News
1. C
2. Police officers now carry test kits that can detect traces of etomidate in substances and they have classified key ingredients in space oil as dangerous drugs, meaning that possessing or trafficking them can be punished with hefty fines and long jail sentences.
3. Using dangerous drugs such as space oil can have severe consequences. Legally, individuals caught possessing the drug face up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of HK$1 million, while those involved in trafficking could face life imprisonment and a HK$5 million fine. Additionally, there are serious health risks, including addiction, memory loss, seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death. Being involved in drug-related activities can also lead to arrest, a criminal record, and other social consequences, further impacting a person's future.
Photo
1. This is an advertisement warning people, especially young ones, about the dangers of space oil. It notes that the main ingredient, etomidate, is classified as a dangerous drug under the law. The visual of a person falling into a dark vortex reinforces the idea that getting involved with space oil leads to harmful consequences.
2. This advertisement may be somewhat effective in raising awareness about the dangers of the drug through its use of striking visuals and bold text to capture attention. The image of someone being sucked into a vortex effectively symbolises the dangerous and consuming nature of drug abuse. However, its success may depend on the audience's willingness to engage with the message. While the imagery may resonate with some, more educational programmes, peer support systems, and addressing underlying social issues may be necessary to create lasting behavioural change.
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