The Security Bureau today said all analogues of etomidate and another six substances will be listed as dangerous drugs under the law from Friday, following the publication of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Amendment of First Schedule) (No. 2) Order 2025 in the Gazette that day.

The order, which is subject to the Legislative Council’s negative vetting procedure, will take effect on the same day.

The bureau said the amendment aims to deter any potential trafficking and abuse of those dangerous drugs, and will help fortify Hong Kong's defence against drugs.

It added that illegal use of etomidate and its analogues are addictive and would seriously damage one's health. 

The bureau also pointed out that recent scientific analysis has shown that certain analogues of etomidate may potentially be abused.

It highlighted that the Government is determined to safeguard the public, thus taking a pre-emptive step to strengthen the control of all etomidate analogues. 

Under the strict control of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking and manufacturing of those substances are liable to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.

Possession and consumption of those substances in contravention of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance will be subject to a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment and a fine of $1 million.

The bureau also said the Government has launched a preventive education and publicity strategy against the “space oil drug”, apart from legislation and law enforcement.

It added that the Government will continue to adopt targeted and innovative strategies to combat drug-related harm in partnership with the community.