Order to amend Dangerous Drugs Ordinance to be gazetted on July 18 with all etomidate analogues to become dangerous drugs
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The DDO Order will take effect upon its gazettal on July 18, 2025. The DDO Order is subject to the negative vetting procedure of the Legislative Council. Details including the justifications of the legislative proposal could be found from the brief for the Legislative Council issued today at the Annex.
The DDO Order would impose control on the following substances by placing them under the First Schedule to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (DDO) (Cap. 134):
(1) all analogues of etomidate; and
(2) six substances, namely, (i) N-Pyrrolidino protonitazene; (ii) N-Pyrrolidino metonitazene; (iii) N-Piperidinyl etonitazene; (iv) N-Desethyl isotonitazene; (v) hexahydro derivatives of cannabinol and their 3-alkyl homologues (including hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)); and (vi) carisoprodol.
The listing of the six substances in sub-paragraph (2) above is based on the latest international control regime. These six substances are not related to the "space oil drug".
The spokesperson said, "Illegal use of etomidate and its analogues are addictive and would seriously damage one's health. Recent scientific analysis has shown that certain analogues of etomidate may potentially be abused. The Government is determined to safeguard the public and so we are taking a pre-emptive step to strengthen the control of all etomidate analogues. From July 18, all etomidate analogues, including but not limited to isopropoxate, metomidate, and propoxate, will become dangerous drugs." Under the strict control of the DDO, trafficking and manufacturing of these substances are liable to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million. Possession and consumption of these substances in contravention of the DDO will be subject to a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment and a fine of $1 million.
"Beyond legislation and law enforcement, the Government has launched a preventive education and publicity strategy against the 'space oil drug'. The Government will continue to adopt targeted and innovative strategies to combat drug-related harm in partnership with the community," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added, "The amendment aims to deter any potential trafficking and abuse of these dangerous drugs. This will help fortify Hong Kong's defence against drugs."
Ends/Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:15
Issued at HKT 18:15
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