99 people arrested in drugs crackdown covering space oil, youngest at 12

Police have arrested 99 individuals, including a 12-year-old, and seized around 60 kilograms of various drugs valued at HK$37 million. Among the substances seized was also the newly emerging narcotic known as "space oil."

The narcotics seized in connection with 66 cases included 1.69 liters of liquid etomidate, the main ingredient of space oil, as well as 1,195 grams of etomidate powder and 9,968 space oil infused capsules.

After conducting eight undercover operations, police also seized 20 kg of cocaine, 14 kg of methamphetamine, small amounts of ketamine and heroin, over 20 kg of marijuana, and 414 vials of cannabis oil. 

The suspects -- 88 males and 11 females aged between 12 and 73 --include 12 individuals under the age of 21, five of whom are students. They are facing charges of trafficking in dangerous drugs, and illegal sale or possession of Part 1 poisons. 

In one case, police identified a drug trafficking group of eight individuals that controlled a space oil processing center and three storage and distribution points located across To Kwa Wan, Tsing Yi, Ta Kwu Ling, and Tai Kok Tsui.

The police then raided the centers and discovered 530 grams of etomidate powder, 1 liter of space oil, 2,227 space oil capsules, and 3.8 kg of other drugs. 

The eight suspects, aged 22 to 48, have been brought before the Magistrates' Court on suspicion of trafficking in dangerous drugs and possession of Part 1 poisons.