Hong Kong Health Authority Warns E-Cigarettes Becoming New Tool for Drug Abuse

Nov.28.2024
Hong Kong Health Authority Warns E-Cigarettes Becoming New Tool for Drug Abuse
The Hong Kong Department of Health has issued a warning that e-cigarettes are becoming a new tool for drug abuse. The cartridges containing illegal drugs resemble regular e-liquid, highlighting the need for legislative restrictions.

According to a report by SCMP on November 27th, the Hong Kong Health Department has warned that e-cigarettes are increasingly being used as a tool for drug abuse, as these devices can easily be filled with drugs and are difficult to detect.

 

The Hong Kong Department of Health's subordinate agency, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, said on Wednesday (27th) that they have recently dealt with cases where the "space oil" in e-cigarette pods appeared to be identical to the e-liquid contained in other products.

 

The head of the office, Dr. Fung Ying, pointed out that: "Those cartridges containing illegal drugs look no different from those with ordinary e-liquid."

 

Space oil" is one of the highly demanded drugs in the city, often found in e-cigarette pods. It contains etomidate, a prescription anesthetic categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance.

 

The Hong Kong government announced a series of proposed measures on June 10, including amending laws to ban the possession of alternative tobacco products. The Department of Health stated that they are currently drafting the details of the legislative proposal and have contacted lawmakers to seek their input. It is expected that these legislative amendments will be submitted to the Legislative Council by the end of 2024 or early 2025.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Product | FOGER Introduces Switch Pro 30K Nixodine Pod in U.S. Retail, Bringing 6-MN Related Formulation to High-Capacity Pod Platform
Product | FOGER Introduces Switch Pro 30K Nixodine Pod in U.S. Retail, Bringing 6-MN Related Formulation to High-Capacity Pod Platform
FOGER has introduced the Switch Pro 30K Nixodine Pod in U.S. retail channels, bringing a 6-methylnicotine (6-MN)-related formulation into its reusable Switch Pro 30K pod ecosystem. The product retains the existing reusable dock and magnetic replacement pod architecture, featuring a 19ml prefilled pod, dual-mesh heating and Normal/Boost modes. The Nixodine version is labeled nicotine-free in terms of conventional nicotine but uses a 5% Nixodine-related formulation. The product has appeared in U.S. retail and wholesale channels, with some listings indicating Kentucky-only availability.
Aug.28
Product | JT Refreshes Ploom CUBE Design and Expands Japan Retail Distribution, Targeting Younger Men and Female Users
Product | JT Refreshes Ploom CUBE Design and Expands Japan Retail Distribution, Targeting Younger Men and Female Users
Japan Tobacco (JT) launched a refreshed Ploom CUBE design in Japan on September 8, 2026, with broader convenience-store and tobacco-retail distribution planned from October 13. The updated device retains the existing Rounded Cube form and heating platform while replacing four previous body colors with Pebble White and Cobalt Black. JT is also introducing new Front Panels and Fabric Back Covers, although the new accessories are not compatible with the previous Ploom CUBE design. The company says the update is intended to broaden appeal among younger male and female users.
Sep.09
UK Sets Oct. 29 Start for New Vape Retail Rules Covering Age Checks, Giveaways and Discounts
UK Sets Oct. 29 Start for New Vape Retail Rules Covering Age Checks, Giveaways and Discounts
The UK Department of Health and Social Care published new guidance on Aug. 11 outlining the next phase of retail rules under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, which will take effect on Oct. 29, 2026. The measures extend the minimum age of sale of 18 to all vaping and consumer nicotine products and restrict proxy purchasing, promotional giveaways and substantial discounts. Relevant offences in England, Wales and Scotland may carry a £200 fixed penalty notice, while persistent offenders can face temporary sales bans.
Aug.12
U.S. House Defense Bill Includes Pilot Review of Vapes, Nicotine Pouches and Heated Tobacco for Military Smokers
U.S. House Defense Bill Includes Pilot Review of Vapes, Nicotine Pouches and Heated Tobacco for Military Smokers
On July 23, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes Section 707 provisions requiring the Department of Defense to evaluate tobacco use and nicotine alternatives among military personnel. The pilot program would examine products including vapes, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products, primarily among active-duty service members who continue using combustible tobacco. The provision is a policy evaluation effort, not an authorization for military vaping promotion or a ban on vape products.
Jul.28
China’s Shanghai Tobacco Group Launches CNY 10.98 Million (Approximately US$1.53 Million) Procurement for Heated Tobacco Production Utility Equipment
China’s Shanghai Tobacco Group Launches CNY 10.98 Million (Approximately US$1.53 Million) Procurement for Heated Tobacco Production Utility Equipment
Shanghai Tobacco Group Co., Ltd., a tobacco manufacturing company under China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC), has launched a public tender for heated tobacco products (HTPs) production utility equipment at its Shanghai Cigarette Factory. The project is valued at CNY 10.98 million and covers six combined air-conditioning units, electrical cabinets and control systems for production facilities. The procurement includes equipment design, supply, installation, commissioning and related training services.
Aug.07
JTI Research Finds 31% of UK Respondents Offered Illicit Tobacco, While 63% of Ennis Packs Lack Duty Marks
JTI Research Finds 31% of UK Respondents Offered Illicit Tobacco, While 63% of Ennis Packs Lack Duty Marks
Multiple JTI-backed studies in the UK and Ireland indicate that illicit tobacco remains visible across consumer interactions and local markets. In the UK, JTI research found that 31% of respondents said they had been offered illicit tobacco products. In Ireland’s Ennis area, a JTI-commissioned empty pack survey found that 63% of sampled cigarette packs did not carry Irish duty-paid markings. The findings come from industry research rather than official government estimates of illicit tobacco market size, but highlight continued concerns among regulators, legitimate retailers and tobacco companies over illicit trade.
Aug.19