Editorial | Test kits on front line of ‘space oil’ drug battle in Hong Kong

When use of a dangerous new narcotic on the streets can be concealed within another addictive practice, police need a tool that puts law enforcement on equal terms. It is good news therefore that they now have rapid testing kits to combat “space oil”, which is set to be prohibited soon. It is typically packaged in e-cigarette capsules and contains the anaesthetic etomidate, which can be mixed with other drugs and poses risks to users’ physical and mental health, including addiction, memory loss, seizure, loss of consciousness and even death.

The testing kits enable officers to detect traces of etomidate by wiping the kit’s test strip against the inhale and inject ports of a vaping device, before soaking it in a solution for 10-15 seconds.

The new tool promises to be an effective response to a deadly new trend among young people. The case numbers – a reflection of both law enforcement and the spread of a dangerous addictive practice – are frightening. Chief Inspector Kelvin Cheung Ka-wing, of the police narcotics bureau, said that in the latter half of 2024 space oil had become the third most commonly abused drug substance, after cannabis and cocaine, among under-21s in Hong Kong, “a shocking increase in numbers”. Police recorded 141 cases involving space oil between January and November of last year, leading to 206 arrests, compared with seven cases and eight arrests throughout 2023. Some 47 of those held last year were under 21 and the youngest 12.

Cheung said the testing procedure was similar to the interception of suspicious individuals on the street and officers must follow guidelines before implementing it.

Meanwhile, it is good to hear the city’s new customs chief, Chan Tsz-tat, pledged that a crackdown on the smuggling of space oil will be stepped up and also hospitals are to implement stricter controls over the handling of etomidate, which is set to be added to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance next month. This move will increase penalties for abuse of a drug many young people regard as harmless – up to seven years in prison and a HK$1 million fine for possession and use, and up to life in jail and a HK$5 million fine for trafficking. Education as well should go hand in hand with the stronger deterrent.