Hong Kong customs arrests man, 46, with HK$14 million of ‘space oil’ ingredient

Hong Kong customs has arrested a 46-year-old man after he was allegedly caught in possession of about HK$14 million (US$1.8 million) worth of the key ingredient for the narcotic “space oil”, concealed inside food packages.

Customs on Sunday said officers had intercepted the man, who had been holding a suitcase, during an anti-narcotics operation in Tsuen Wan the day before.

Upon examination, customs officers discovered about 15kg (33lbs) of suspected etomidate concealed within food packages inside the suitcase.

They later escorted the man to his home in Ngau Tau Kok, where they seized an additional gram of suspected etomidate and two sets of suspected drug-inhaling apparatus.

The man was arrested and charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possession of a dangerous drug and one count of possession of apparatus fit and intended for the inhalation of a dangerous drug.

He is expected to appear at West Kowloon Court on Tuesday.

Etomidate is a key ingredient used to make space oil, which has rapidly become one of the most popular recreational drugs in the city and is commonly available in e-cigarette capsules.