Etomidate drug cases surge 300% in HK with dealers offering "group buy" discounts

Commissioner for Narcotics Kesson Lee Kei-shun revealed a alarming 300% increase in reported etomidate users during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with 338 cases recorded versus 85 previously. 

The dramatic rise coincides with drug dealers increasingly using "group buy" promotions on social media platforms like Instagram and Telegram to target teenagers.

Law enforcement efforts have intensified significantly, with seizures of etomidate cartridges skyrocketing from 7,000 units in first-half 2024 to approximately 250,000 units this year - a 35-fold increase. The youngest identified user is merely 11 years old, highlighting the substance's penetration among school-aged children. 

Commissioner Lee attributed part of the increased reporting to successful public awareness campaigns rather than solely increased usage, noting improved recognition among social workers, teachers, and police.

The government recently rebranded the drug from its street name "space oil" to "etomidate" to eliminate glamorous connotations and combat false narratives about its effects. A dedicated 24-hour hotline established earlier this month has already received 12 actionable reports. 

To enhance regional cooperation, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Anti-Drug Summit will convene on September 5, bringing together 20 government departments and 19 non-governmental organizations across three jurisdictions.