A spokesperson for the Security Bureau said today (February 20) that the Government will publish the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Amendment of First Schedule) Order 2019 in the Gazette this Friday (February 22).
The Order will add acryloylfentanyl, furanylfentanyl, 5F-MDMB-PINACA, ocfentanil and tetrahydrofuranylfentanyl (THF-F) to the First Schedule to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap 134).
The spokesperson said, "The amendments aim to deter the trafficking and abuse of these dangerous drugs. This will help to fortify Hong Kong's defence in the fight against drugs.
"Acryloylfentanyl, furanylfentanyl, ocfentanil and THF-F are derivatives of fentanyl. Reported adverse effects of acryloylfentanyl include miosis, decreased consciousness and respiratory depression. Furanylfentanyl has analgesic effects and produces respiratory depression. Additional pharmacological effects are miosis, sedation, bradycardia, hypothermia, constipation, physical dependence and changes in mood such as euphoria. Ocfentanil has pharmacodynamic effects, including analgesia, sedation, respiratory depression, chest pain, psychosis and agitation. For THF-F, the most serious acute health risk of use is respiratory depression, which can lead to apnea, respiratory arrest and death. Meanwhile, 5F-MDMB-PINACA is a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist used as an active ingredient of products sold as cannabis substitutes. 5F-MDMB-PINACA produces cannabimimetic effects including relaxation, euphoria, lethargy, depersonalisation, distorted perception of time, impaired motor performance, hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, fear, anxiety, dry mouth, conjunctival injection (red eyes), tachycardia, nausea and vomiting. Poisoning by 5F-MDMB-PINACA may include rapid loss of consciousness/coma, cardiovascular effects, seizures and convulsions, vomiting/hyperemesis, delirium, agitation, psychosis, and aggressive and violent behaviour.
"The Order will bring the above five substances under the same strict control as other dangerous drugs under Cap 134. Those prosecuted of illicit trafficking and manufacture of these substances are liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment. Possession and consumption of the substances in contravention of Cap 134 also constitute criminal offences."
The spokesperson said that the Government had consulted the Action Committee Against Narcotics and the Panel on Security of the Legislative Council and they supported the proposed amendments. The Government had also sought the views of relevant trades and stakeholders.
The Order will be tabled at the Legislative Council on February 27, 2019 and is expected to become effective on April 26.
Follow this news feed: East Asia