Teenager arrested over HK$200,000 ‘space oil’ production in Hong Kong hotel
Boy aged 16 apprehended with manufacturing ingredients and tools in raid of North Point premises
Hong Kong police have arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of producing and trafficking a narcotic known as “space oil” worth HK$200,000 (US$25,740).
Operation details were revealed on Tuesday, a day after officers made the arrest in a raid on a suspected drug manufacturing premise inside a hotel room in North Point.
Police seized 510 millilitres (17 fluid ounces) of etomidate, a space oil ingredient that was classified as a dangerous drug last month. Officers also found 2.3 litres of glycerine and 466 e-cigarette capsules suspected to contain space oil.
“Investigations show that the suspect allegedly mixed etomidate with glycerine to produce space oil and then injected the mixture into e-cigarette capsules,” the force said.
“A preliminary estimate shows that the seized etomidate and glycerine can produce over 600 e-cigarette capsules with space oil. Along with the capsules containing suspected space oil at the scene, the estimated market value of the seized drugs is around HK$200,000.”
The force also found tools including measuring cups, pots, electronic scales and some unused e-cigarette capsules.