Dad alerts Hong Kong authorities, leading to the arrest of a 31-year-old man for alleged production and sale of 'space oil' capsules.
A 31-year-old man in Hong Kong has been apprehended on charges of possessing the illicit substance known as "space oil."
You might be wondering what this mysterious concoction is all about. Well, let's dive in.
"Space oil," largely comprised of etomidate (an anesthetic/sedative) and often blended with opioids like butonitazene or hypnotics like bromazolam, reigns supreme as one of the hottest party drugs in town. Its rapid growth in popularity can be found in the city's e-cigarette capsules.
The authorities got wind of the situation after the man's father reported him, suspecting his erratic behavior was due to substance use. As per reports, the father stated that the man had shown signs of shortness of breath and slowed reactions.
An investigation led by the police revealed that two electronic cigarette capsules, laden with the prohibited substance, were hidden in the man's home in Hung Hom. The seized narcotics were valued at approximately HK$400 (US$52).
Upon preliminary investigation, the individual, identified as Chan, was taken into custody for suspected possession of hazardous substances.
Interestingly, etomidate was reclassified from a Part 1 poison to a dangerous drug in February, with the new classification taking immediate effect following its gazettement.
Now, you might be curious about the potential repercussions of using "space oil." Well, buckle up: space oil has been linked to some pretty severe consequences. It's a rapid habit-former, with users increasingly seeking stronger highs by combining it with drugs like ecstasy or cocaine. The risks associated with it are numerous, from permanent memory damage to coma and even fatalities due to unregulated additives and inconsistent dosages[2][4]. Additionally, legal penalties for possession can stretch up to 7 years imprisonment, and trafficking can earn you a life sentence[1][4].
It's worth mentioning that "space oil" first surfaced as a recreational drug, marketed as a "harmless" alternative, often disguised in flavored e-cigarette capsules. Its widespread use among Hong Kong’s youth is primarily attributed to peer pressure, academic stress, and a desire to escape reality[3]. By 2024, public hospitals reported no less than 130 cases of related health emergencies[1]. In response, the government launched a multi-faceted crackdown, involving advanced screening technology, cross-border collaboration, and public education campaigns[4].
It's not all doom and gloom, though. Hong Kong Customs is working tirelessly to combat this issue through innovative means, like the use of Raman spectrometers, X-ray systems, and international partnerships. Since 2024, they have successfully disrupted 17 major cases, including two operations aimed at shutting down local manufacturing hubs[4].
So there you have it—a glimpse into the seedy underworld of "space oil" in Hong Kong. Remember, your health and freedom are valuable. Stay informed, stay safe.
- The 31-year-old man in Hong Kong reportedly possessed "space oil," a party drug that includes etomidate, an anesthetic/sedative, and other illicit substances like opioids and hypnotics.
- The use of "space oil," often found in e-cigarette capsules, has led to numerous health risks, such as permanent memory damage, coma, and even fatalities due to unregulated additives and inconsistent dosages.
- Possession of "space oil" is illegal and can result in up to 7 years imprisonment, while trafficking could lead to a life sentence.
- To combat the prevalence of "space oil," the government launched a multi-faceted crackdown that includes advanced screening technology, cross-border collaboration, and public education campaigns, while Hong Kong Customs is employing innovative means like Raman spectrometers and X-ray systems to disrupt its manufacturing and distribution.
