Hong Kong is grappling with a surge in "space oil drugs" (liquid synthetic cannabinoids vaped via e-cigarettes) consumption among teenagers, with nearly 70% of recent cases involving youths under 21.
Commissioner Against Narcotics Kesson Lee revealed on a radio program today that preliminary figures show 191 reported cases in Q1 2024, following 300 cases throughout 2023. Alarmingly, 128 of the Q1 cases (67%) involved individuals aged 21 or younger, with the 16-18 age group being most prevalent.
Lee attributed the trend to the drug's low cost, easy concealment, rapid onset/duration, and compatibility with e-cigarette devices. He noted that since police introduced rapid test strips on Jan. 18, 54 users had been arrested by late April, demonstrating the method's deterrent effect.
School Testing Challenges
Regarding implementing test strips in schools, Lee cautioned that current police strips detect suspicious substances, not biological samples like hair or urine. Authorities are carefully evaluating whether commercial test kits can reliably detect human consumption. "We must avoid false results given the impact on students," he stated, adding that validated tests could be introduced in the next academic year.
Youth Epidemic Worsens
Leo Man, head of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups' Youth Crime Prevention Centre, warned of a "distinct youth shift," identifying 15-17-year-olds as the most affected group. Early 2024 data showed a several-fold increase in users aged 13-14 compared to previous statistics.
Legislator Elizabeth Quat urged establishing dedicated reporting hotlines on messaging platforms and enhanced online police patrols to combat the crisis.
Related News:
Spot something suspicious? HK Customs calls for tips on deadly 'space oil' narcotics
Suspected 'space oil' drug use by student circulates online, school responds
Comment