Etomidate

"Space Oil" is a slang term used in Hong Kong (Chinese: 太空油) referring primarily to the medical drug called etomidate an intravenous anaesthetic agent. Etomidate is a clear, oily-looking liquid that resembles a light oil, which likely led to the nickname. It is used primarily to induce anaesthesia or sedation, particularly in emergency settings, because it has a rapid onset and minimal effects on cardiovascular function.

In Hong Kong, it has been turned into an e-cigarette liquid. It can be consumed on its own, but it is often found mixed with cannabis or ketamine.

Etomidate, intended for medical use, was initially classified as a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations (Cap. 138A). However, it unexpectedly gained popularity as a recreational drug among individuals under the age of 21 in Hong Kong. According to the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA), since the first half of 2024, the "space oil drug" has continued to be the third most common type of drugs abused by individuals under the age of 21.

In light of the circumstances, the HKSAR Government has amended its laws on 14th February 2025 to classify etomidate and its three close variants—metomidate, propoxate, and isopropoxate—as dangerous drugs. It has also launched an elaborate campaign to educate and inform the public at large of all the potential risks brought on by this new drug.

Currently, there is no published case law regarding the possession or trafficking of Space Oil since its reclassification as a Dangerous Drug.

Previously, when Space Oil was classified as a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations, the District Court considered such offences under a different framework. In HKSAR v. John Ho Yin (DCCC 139/2024), police discovered, during a search of the defendant’s car, two resealable plastic bags each containing a cartridge. The cartridges held a total of 0.01 gram of liquid containing etomidate, a substance listed under the Part 1 Poisons regulations. The defendant admitted under caution that he had purchased the etomidate—referred to, along with other drugs, as "astro oil"—for personal use out of curiosity, having never used it before.

In sentencing, the District Court noted the extremely small quantity of etomidate involved. For the offence of possession of a Part 1 poison, the Court adopted a starting point of three weeks’ imprisonment. After granting a one-third reduction for the defendant’s timely guilty plea, the Court sentenced him to two weeks’ imprisonment.

Under the current Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, any person found in possession of a dangerous drug is guilty of an offence and, upon conviction, is liable to a maximum fine of HK$1 million and imprisonment for up to seven years. Trafficking in a dangerous drug is a more serious offence, punishable upon conviction by a maximum fine of HK$5 million and imprisonment for life.

Given the reclassification of Etomidate, individuals should exercise extreme caution. Until judicial guidance is available, courts are likely to adopt a strict approach in line with the sentencing framework for dangerous drugs. Those found in possession, trafficking, or otherwise dealing with Etomidate may face substantial penalties, and should seek legal advice promptly if charged.

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