Hong Kong fast-tracks ban on “space oil” drug after rapid rise among youth

Hong Kong is set to outlaw “space oil” next year, a synthetic drug that has surged in popularity among teens.

Etomidate—the drug’s primary ingredient and a short-acting anaesthetic—will be added to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance by mid-2025, according to Secretary for Security Chris Tang. This move follows consultations with the Action Committee Against Narcotics and other stakeholders.

Often inhaled through vapes and misused as a recreational drug, etomidate is typically used in medical settings and available only by prescription.

Once classified, possession or use of “space oil” could result in up to seven years in prison and a HK$1 million fine.

Those caught trafficking the drug face life imprisonment and fines up to HK$5 million.

Following COVID-19 restrictions, the drug became the third-most common drug among Hong Kong youth, trailing only cannabis and cocaine. In the first half of 2024, 75 out of 452 young drug users reported using “space oil”.

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On October 18, police arrested six teenagers, aged 15 to 17, for selling and possessing the drug disguised as e-cigarette capsules. The arrests were made in Kwai Tsing district, where officers seized five capsules containing the anaesthetic etomidate, along with vape pens.

Authorities are also working to educate schools about the dangers of "space oil", while ramping up enforcement efforts.

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With the drug’s rapid rise in popularity raising red flags, police have already recorded 23 seizures this year, and in July, dismantled a lab producing space oil worth HK$1 million.

Police in Taiwan have also begun targeting etomidate. In September, two men were arrested with 7,46 kilograms of the drug, reportedly enough to produce 85,000 “space oil” cartridges.

Via South China Morning Press & Hong Kong Free Press

Image via University of Queensland & Hong Kong Police Force

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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