By South China Morning Post | Created at 2024-11-22 06:46:29 | Updated at 2024-11-22 13:02:34
6 hours ago
Hong Kong police have arrested a 22-year-old man for possessing a large quantity of anaesthetic capable of producing 4,000 cartridges of “space oil”, a substance increasingly inhaled through electronic cigarettes, valued at HK$1.2 million (US$154,180).
The force said on Friday that officers intercepted the man who was acting suspiciously in Kwai Shing West Estate on Thursday evening. He was found holding a cardboard box containing 1.67kg (3.68lbs) of suspected etomidate powder, that could only be prescribed by a doctor, and relevant tools.
“Initial investigation shows that criminals typically mix etomidate with different flavoured glycerine, heat the mixture to turn it into a liquid, and place it inside e-cigarette capsules for sale,” the force said.
The seized amount was enough to produce 4,000 “space oil” cartridges, which was estimated to be worth about HK$1.2 million in market value, according to the police.
Police have arrested the man for Possession of a Part 1 Poison and he remains in custody. The maximum penalty for the illegal sale or possession of a Part 1 poison is two years in jail and a HK$100,000 fine.
Etomidate in “space oil” can be mixed with other drugs such as cannabis, methamphetamine and ketamine. Authorities have warned of the serious physical and mental harm, including addiction, memory loss, seizures, unconsciousness, and even death, caused by vaping it.
