1 in 3 Hongkongers do not know ‘space oil’ health risks, drug survey finds
Usually packaged in e-cigarette capsules and containing anaesthetic etomidate, substance has been gaining popularity among young people
Almost one-third of Hongkongers do not know the health risks of taking the emerging substance “space oil”, a survey by a drug counselling centre has found.
The narcotic, typically packaged in e-cigarette capsules and containing the anaesthetic etomidate, has been gaining popularity among young people, sparking widespread concern.
The substance will be classified as a dangerous drug on February 14, with the maximum penalty for possession increased to seven years’ jail and a HK$1 million (US$128,205) fine. Trafficking may result in life imprisonment and a HK$5 million fine upon conviction.
At present, the substance is classified as a poison, and possession carries a maximum penalty of a HK$100,000 fine and two years’ prison.
The CROSS centre, which provides anti-drug services and is under the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, on Monday revealed the findings of a survey it conducted between September and December last year involving more than 1,600 residents via online questionnaires and its school network.
Christopher Sin Chun-kit, a clinical psychologist at the centre, said almost 30 per cent of respondents had no idea about the health effects of space oil.
