Man arrested for possessing half a kilogram of etomidate in Sham Shui Po

A man was arrested in Sham Shui Po on Monday for possessing a significant amount of etomidate, also known as "space oil," on the same day it was announced that the substance will be classified as a dangerous drug next month.

Acting on intelligence and following an in-depth investigation, officers from the Sham Shui Po Police District conducted a raid on a private residential unit on Yee Kuk Street yesterday (Jan 13). They seized approximately 546 grams of suspected etomidate inside the unit.

During the operation, a 31-year-old man from the mainland was arrested on suspicion of possessing Part I Poisons and was detained for further investigation.

Currently, etomidate is regulated under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance as a Part I Poison. Illegal possession and sale of this substance are punishable by a fine of up to HK$100,000 and imprisonment for up to two years.

However, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung announced yesterday (Jan 13), a subsidiary legislation amendment to classify etomidate as a dangerous drug is expected to take effect on February 14.

Once the amendment is in place, those caught selling etomidate, the main ingredient in "space oil drug," could face severe penalties, including fines of up to HK$5 million and the possibility of life imprisonment