Hong Kong Customs on December 27 and 28 detected two cases involving possession of etomidate (the main ingredient of "space oil drug"), a kind of Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations, by passengers at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point and the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. A total of four suspected "space oil drug" capsules were seized.
The first case involved a local female passenger, aged 17, who departed for the Mainland via the Lok Ma Chau Control Point on December 27. During customs clearance, one suspected "space oil drug" capsule and a related inhaling device were found in her handbag. The woman was subsequently arrested.
The second case involved a 32-year-old local male passenger. The man went to the Mainland via the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on December 28. During customs clearance, three suspected "space oil drug" capsules were found concealed in a specially sewn pocket on the jeans he was wearing. He was then arrested.
The two arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation. Investigations are ongoing.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour report hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
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