Hong Kong is considering changing the name of the illegal narcotic “space oil” to “zombie oil”, as lawmakers raised concerns that the current title could romanticise the use of the drug.
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Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung on Wednesday revealed the plan to rename space oil, whose main ingredient is the anaesthetic etomidate, after hearing feedback from the public.
“Some people shared the view that the name ‘space oil’ is not that good and could romanticise [its use], we also agree that there is a point there and we will review,” Tang told lawmakers.
He said different options were being considered, including just calling the drug “etomidate”.
“Based on the behaviour after consumption, such as losing sanity, performing indecency in public, jumping into the roads and almost getting hit by cars, developing skin inflammation and ulceration, or having hormone imbalance … some people suggested if we should call it ‘zombie oil’,” Tang said.
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“We are now collecting opinions and hope to set a better name in the short term.”