Hong Kong's criminalization of etomidate – implications and significance

Introduction

In February 2025, etomidate was officially criminalized under Hong Kong’s Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 134), as educators, legislators, government officials, and members of the public show increasing concern about the effect of the growing popularity of this agent on Hong Kong youth. “Space oil,” a synthetic drug containing etomidate, has been of increasing prevalence in the city, leading to concerns from various stakeholders and intensifying the push to criminalize etomidate.

Current Drug Offenses in Hong Kong

The Dangerous Drugs Ordinance outlines the narcotics offenses in Hong Kong. Below is a summary of the offenses that are most significant.

Crime	Amount of fine	Imprisonment term
Trafficking in a dangerous drug (section 4)	HK$5,000,000 (approx. US$640,000)	Life imprisonment
Manufacturing a dangerous drug (section 6)
Possessing a dangerous drug (section 8)	HK$10,000 (approx.US$1,300)	7 years

“Dangerous drugs” is defined by Schedule 1 of Cap. 134. It is worth noting that cannabis is listed in section 11 of Schedule 1, indicating that it is subject to the same criminal guidelines as other agents, such as heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, etc., regardless of whether it is used for medical or recreational purposes. The cultivation and dealing in cannabis plants have their own offense-creating section (s.9, Cap. 134), which outlines the maximum penalty for this offense—HK$2,000 fine (approx. US$256) and 15 years’ imprisonment.

“Drug trafficking” is defined in s.4(1) as trafficking in a dangerous drug, offering to traffic in a dangerous drug, selling, or giving away a dangerous drug. In other words, drug dealers and distributors are also (theoretically) liable for a fine and an imprisonment term under this section.

The offense “possession of a dangerous drug,” as defined in s.8(1), is applicable in cases where the individual is possessing the dangerous drug purely for their own use. Therefore, the section simultaneously criminalizes the consumption of dangerous drugs.

The rise (and fall) of “space oil” in Hong Kong

“Space oil” is notoriously most popular among the youth in Hong Kong, as it is mistakenly downplayed due to its relatively short-lived effects compared to other conventional drugs. A social worker told a local news outlet that local space oil consumers enjoy “going to space” for a short period of time, as space oil’s “effects don’t last as long.” Then, they “come back down,” and their life goes on as if nothing had happened.

“Space oil” is also more popular among the youth because it is not only cheaper but also more convenient. The drug is packaged in vapes containing etomidate, making it easily accessible to underage people, as there is no local law prohibiting the sale of vapes to those under the age of 18. “Space oil” is also more “palatable” than conventional drugs, which creates the illusion that “space oil” is not a “drug” but just a vape like any other.

On that note, one of the reasons “space oil” started to face increasing controversy in Hong Kong is that youngsters consider “space oil” a vape instead of a drug that leads to various disturbing side effects, leading to more youngsters consuming the agent in indiscreet locations. In early March 2025, a 13-year-old student was spotted on public transport, suspected of consuming “space oil.” She was, according to bystanders, “visibly disoriented and unsteady.” She stumbled onto the platform, where she eventually collapsed. She was later arrested for possession of a dangerous drug. Unfortunately, scenes like these were not uncommon in Hong Kong. As a result, more people, especially concerned parents, pushed the government to criminalize “space oil” as soon as possible.

Governmental response to “space oil”

A survey conducted by a local drug counseling center showed that 1 in every 3 Hongkongers does not know of the health risks and side effects of “space oil.” The Hospital Authority recorded 130 cases of people seeking treatment at public hospitals after having consumed space oil in 2024, with 3 of these patients dying after seeking medical attention. Statistics from the Central Registry of Drug Abuse revealed a concerning trend: the number of young drug abusers increased by 8%, with 300 reported to have consumed “space oil,” 226 of whom were 21 and below. This makes etomidate the third most commonly abused drug locally, after cannabis and cocaine.

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security has stated that users, especially youngsters, were “being misled” into thinking that “space oil” is harmless and thus quick action needs to be taken to impose a legal framework banning etomidate in Hong Kong.

The government has contemplated criminalizing etomidate since October 2024. On 14 February 2025, the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance was officially amended to criminalize etomidate and three of its analogues.

As of the date of writing, etomidate is only outlawed in Hong Kong out of the three jurisdictions where “space oil” is prevalent (namely Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan).

References and Further Reading

“Cap. 134 Dangerous Drugs Ordinance” (Hong Kong e-Legislation)

“Laws & Penalties – Narcotics Offences” (Hong Kong Police Force)

“An ‘escape’ from the world: As Hong Kong bans ‘space oil’ drug, social workers urge care for teen mental health” (Hong Kong Free Press)

“Teenager arrested for using space oil on light rail in Tin Shui Wai” (The Standard)