1-minute News | No more drugs! Police to introduce rapid testing of 'space oil' on Jan. 18

In recent years, the use of synthetic drugs like "space oil" has rapidly increased in popularity in Hong Kong, with the number of young people using it skyrocketing by several tens of times annually. To prevent the proliferation of this emerging drug, the Hong Kong SAR government plans to amend subsidiary legislation on Feb. 14 to classify "space oil" as a dangerous drug, with offenders facing a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Due to the concealment of "space oil" drugs, which are consumed through vaping oil added to e-cigarettes and closely resemble regular e-cigarette cartridges, law enforcement officers face challenges in identifying and combating this substance. To enhance frontline enforcement efforts, the police announced yesterday that they will introduce rapid testing toolkits on Jan. 18. Under reasonable suspicion, frontline officers can use these kits to test vape liquid samples on the spot for the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), with an accuracy rate of up to 99%, making it difficult for users to evade detection.

The police's rapid testing toolkit for "space oil" drugs includes an individually packaged rapid testing strip, a solution, a sealed disposable plastic bag, and a pair of disposable gloves. The procedure for using the rapid testing toolkit is simple, with personnel wearing gloves and opening the individually packaged testing strip. The strip is used to wipe the mouthpiece or filling port of the vape cartridge 3 to 5 times, followed by dipping the strip into the solution until the wave pattern appears. After soaking for 10 to 15 seconds, the strip can be removed for examination.

Results can be displayed within 30 seconds

Results typically appear within 30 to 60 seconds. A single red line at the "C" position indicates a positive result, while red lines at both the "C" and "T" positions indicate a negative result, with an accuracy rate of up to 99%. At a press conference yesterday (Jan. 14), police personnel demonstrated the testing process, which was completed within a few minutes.

A senior police officer stated that the rapid testing toolkits for "space oil" drugs, to be introduced on Jan. 18, will be provided in sufficient quantities according to the needs of different police districts. The police have already provided relevant standard operating procedures to assist frontline personnel in using the rapid testing tools and have developed related online courses to ensure that frontline officers understand how to use the equipment. Personnel must complete the online course before using the rapid testing toolkit. Upon detecting anyone selling or illegally possessing "space oil" drugs, frontline personnel will make arrests and collect suspected THC-containing substances as evidence, promptly sending these items for government analysis.

According to data from the Security Bureau's Central Registry of Drug Abuse, "space oil" drugs have become the third most commonly used drug among individuals under 21 years old since the first half of 2024, following marijuana and cocaine. The officer emphasized that despite drug dealers packaging "space oil" drugs with the euphemism of "tetrahydrocannabinol-coated candies" to mislead the public into believing they are "safe drug substitutes," disguising their side effects, addictiveness, and dangers, tetrahydrocannabinol is highly addictive as a precursor to anesthesia. Abusers may exhibit a range of symptoms, including motor disturbances and bodily tremors. Prolonged abuse can alter brain neuron activity, leading to imbalances in adrenal steroids and hormones, high blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances.

In response to the challenge posed by new drugs, the police are highly vigilant and are not only strengthening online and offline intelligence collection and enforcement efforts but also placing significant importance on promotional and educational work. In addition to educating the public about the harm caused by "space oil" drugs through seminars, the police have incorporated elements of "space oil" drugs into interactive anti-drug theater activities with Key Opinion Leaders (KOL) travel groups and the Anti-Drug Leadership Academy program.

The police have recently launched a new anti-drug educational kit that includes an information graphic, an educational video titled "Narcotics Bureau × Experts × Former Drug Users - 'Space Oil' Drug Hazards Revealed," and the seventh episode of the anti-drug mascot, Mighty Cat's Diary. The anti-drug educational kit will be distributed to tertiary institutions and all primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong through the Education Bureau. By raising awareness through promotional and educational efforts, the aim is to educate the public about the dangers of "space oil" drugs, reduce demand for them, and make drug trafficking unprofitable.

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