Latest news with #DangerousDrugOrdinance
HKFP
4 days ago
- Health
- HKFP
Etomidate to be included in schools' voluntary drug testing in 2025-26 academic year
The Hong Kong government has told schools that etomidate will be included in a voluntary testing scheme under the city's school-based anti-drug programme in the 2025-26 academic year. The Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau said on Tuesday that it had informed schools about the move, weeks after authorities renamed the drug, previously called 'space oil.' 'The procedures for etomidate testing will follow that of other drugs – participating schools may opt for rapid urine tests or hair tests under the current testing procedures, and testing will only be conducted after receiving a student's consent,' the government said in a press release. The Narcotics Division on Tuesday also met with NGOs responsible for administering the drug tests to confirm etomidate testing details, the government added. The drug has been popular among teenagers and is now the third most commonly abused drug among youth under 21 in Hong Kong, behind cannabis and cocaine, according to the authorities. The voluntary testing scheme – under the broader Healthy School Programme, which also provides anti-drug education and activities – aims to help students stop abusing drugs, and the results will not be used for prosecution. The testing scheme also covers ketamine, ecstasy, methylamphetamine, cannabis, and cocaine. Currently, more than half of Hong Kong's secondary schools participate in the programme, according to the government. Etomidate was added to the Dangerous Drug Ordinance in February, putting it in the same ranks as ketamine and cocaine. Possession of etomidate can be punished by up to seven years in jail and a fine of HK$1 million, while trafficking the drug risks life imprisonment and a fine of HK$5 million.
South China Morning Post
24-03-2025
- South China Morning Post
Spark Deep Dive: Hong Kong's efforts to fight space oil's rise in popularity
Deep Dive delves into hot issues in Hong Kong and mainland China. Our easy-to-read articles provide context to grasp what's happening, while our questions help you craft informed responses. Check sample answers at the end of the page. 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.
South China Morning Post
16-02-2025
- South China Morning Post
Woman arrested over bringing ‘space oil' into Hong Kong after drug relisting
Hong Kong customs officers have arrested a woman for allegedly possessing 'space oil' when she arrived in the city, the first such case since some of the emerging narcotic's main ingredients were officially classified as dangerous drugs by authorities. The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department said on Sunday that it had arrested a 28-year-old woman travelling to Hong Kong from Macau the day before. Officers discovered a vape pen suspected to contain space oil when she underwent customs clearance at the Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan. The woman was subsequently arrested. Customs said that the woman had claimed to be unemployed, and was released on bail pending further investigation. 'Customs will continue to step up the enforcement and combat the trafficking of the 'space oil drug',' the department said. On Friday, authorities listed several key components used to make the space oil, including its main ingredient etomidate, in the first schedule of the Dangerous Drug Ordinance – putting them in the same category as cocaine. Etomidate was previously classified as a Part 1 Poison.
South China Morning Post
14-02-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong bans ‘space oil' ingredients as drug's variations mushroom
Hong Kong classified several key ingredients used to make the narcotic known as 'space oil' in the same category as cocaine on Friday in a bid to combat rising use among teens, as authorities revealed variations of the main anaesthetic used in the vape capsules had been found in 75 cases since last year. Social workers also said while the legal change covered a variety of chemicals used to make space oil, the tougher approach to the drug risked making some users even more reluctant to seek help and called for greater efforts to tackle the roots of abuse. After pledging last year to move swiftly to combat the rising popularity of space oil, the government on Friday classified etomidate, previously a Part 1 poison, as a dangerous drug. Five other substances were also added to the Dangerous Drug Ordinance. Three of the five – metomidate, propoxate and isopropoxate – are chemically related to etomidate, while butonitazene is an opioid and bromazolam a drug with hypnotic, sedative, euphoric and muscle-relaxing effects. Unauthorised possession or consumption of the listed chemicals is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of HK$1 million (US$128,400). Those caught trafficking them can face up to life in prison and a HK$5 million fine. Space oil, which has rapidly become one of the most popular recreational drugs in the city, is commonly available in e-cigarette capsules. Drug dealers sometimes also mix etomidate with other illegal narcotics such as cannabis and ketamine and infuse them with flavoured glycerine to form the capsules.
