Customs seizes suspected space oil, and illicit cigarettes at West Kowloon Station

Hong Kong Customs detected a case involving the possession of etomidate, a main component of "space oil," and a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations, as well as a violation of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance by an incoming passenger at the West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) on Saturday.

A total of one bottle of suspected "space oil drug" liquid and 189 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes were seized from a 27-year-old male passenger who arrived in Hong Kong via the West Kowloon Station of the XRL.

During customs clearance, the items were found in his travel bag, leading to his arrest.

The man has been charged with one count of possession of a Part 1 Poison, one count of possession of goods to which the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance applies, and one count of failing to declare to a customs officer.

The case is set to be brought before the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts.

Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, possessing any poison listed in Part 1, other than per the provisions, is punishable by a fine of up to HK$100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

Similarly, under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, dealing with, possessing, selling, or buying illicit cigarettes is an offense, with a maximum penalty upon conviction of a fine of HK$1 million and imprisonment for two years.