'Space oil' leads to addiction and neurological damage, Security chief says

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung stated today (Jan. 16) that "space oil" drugs are not recreational; their use can lead to addiction and cause neurological damage.

The government plans to amend subsidiary legislation on Feb. 14 to classify the main ingredient of "space oil" drugs, namely etomidate, as a controlled substance.

Tang noted that because "space oil" drugs can be consumed via e-cigarettes, users can easily be misled into thinking they can use them in public without being detected. However, he mentioned that there are observable effects after using "space oil," including mental disorientation, slowed reactions, nausea, and discomfort, which others can easily notice.

Starting this Saturday, the police will introduce rapid testing tools to detect whether alternative smoking devices contain etomidate. Tang stated that law enforcement personnel will only request a test if there is reasonable suspicion based on the individual's reactions.

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