Hong Kong to speed up inclusion of ‘space oil’ in dangerous drugs law as usage among teens spikes

Hong Kong will speed up the legislative process to add the emerging narcotic known as “space oil” to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance by the first quarter of next year, the security chief has said, amid a sharp rise in usage particularly among younger people.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said on Tuesday that young people were being misled into thinking space oil, which contained the anaesthetic etomidate, was harmless, noting authorities suspected it had played a role in at least three deaths so far this year.

“We all understand the concerns,” Tang told members of a Legislative Council panel. “So our original plan was to complete [legislation] in the second quarter [in 2025]. Now, we have adjusted it to finish by the end of the first quarter.

“I will see if we can expedite it further to February. This is the progress we hope for.”

After the drug is listed, possession or consumption of etomidate-infused space oil can lead to a maximum of seven years in prison and a HK$1 million (US$128,64o) fine. Trafficking in the substance can result in life imprisonment and a HK$5 million fine.

The latest drug included in the ordinance was cannabidiol, or CBD, which was added in February 2023.