A video circulating online on Sunday shows a young man with a skateboard smoking what appeared to be an "space oil" e-cigarette (etomidate) in an MTR carriage before being overcome with violent, involuntary tremors that spread from his hands to his entire body, vividly demonstrating the drug's devastating effects.
The footage, posted on Threads, shows the young man seated against a window in an MTR carriage with a skateboard beside him. Holding a beer can in his right hand and what appeared to be a space oil pod in his left, he began experiencing severe tremors after inhaling, with the shaking extending uncontrollably throughout his body. The man kept his head down with hair covering his face, appearing oblivious to other passengers. The exact time and location of the incident remain unknown.
An MTR spokesperson said they were aware of the video but had no record of the incident at any station, noting that smoking is prohibited on railway premises under the MTR By-laws, with a maximum penalty of HK$5,000. Passengers are urged to report such incidents to police or station staff.
Online reactions were sharply critical, with one commenter saying such behavior "disgraces young people who embrace the positive energy of skateboarding." Others expressed concern about the drug's destructive effects, with one noting: "He started shaking after the first puff. His brain must be severely damaged." Some urged the young man to quit drugs and turn over a new leaf.
Known colloquially as "space oil" or "zombie e-cigarettes," etomidate affects the central nervous system and causes severe withdrawal symptoms including hand tremors, full-body convulsions, loss of balance, and disorientation. Long-term use can cause permanent neurological damage. The Hong Kong government classified etomidate and three related substances as dangerous drugs last year, with penalties including life imprisonment and a HK$5 million fine.
Since the reclassification, etomidate has become the most commonly abused drug among both the general population and youth, followed by cocaine and cannabis. Police recorded 911 etomidate-related cases last year, arresting 1,134 people, including 205 juveniles.
