Hong Kong Customs arrested a 28-year-old woman for smuggling drugs from Macau on Saturday, seizing a vape stick containing suspected “space oil”, according to a statement from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Friday.
The statement pointed out that the main ingredient of “space oil” is etomidate*, which is under the Dangerous Drug Ordinance in Hong Kong, adding that the case is the first ever detected by HK Customs since the inclusion of etomidate into the ordinance on February 14.
The woman was arrested when entering Hong Kong through the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan, the statement said, adding that she told the HK customs officers that she is jobless, and has been released on her own recognizance pending further investigation.
Under the Dangerous Drug Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence, the statement said, adding that the maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of HK$5 million and life imprisonment.
According to the Hong Kong Security Bureau Narcotics Division, the “space oil” can cause serious physical and mental harm, including addiction, memory loss, seizure, unconsciousness, and even death.
*According to the Wikipedia, etomidate is a short-acting intravenous anaesthetic agent used for the induction of general anaesthesia and sedation for short procedures such as reduction of dislocated joints, tracheal intubation, cardioversion and electroconvulsive therapy.
A vape stick containing “space oil” seized at the ferry terminal in Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island from a ferry passenger arriving from Macau on Saturday is pictured in this handout photo released by the Hong Kong authorities over the weekend.
