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

Nicotine Becomes Second-Largest Revenue Source for Couche-Tard in Fiscal 2025
Nicotine Becomes Second-Largest Revenue Source for Couche-Tard in Fiscal 2025
Alimentation Couche-Tard reported that nicotine products accounted for 9% of total revenue in fiscal 2025, making it the company’s second-largest revenue source after fuel, according to its latest Business Strategy Update.
Market
Feb.19
Russia’s Kirov seizes unmarked vape liquids worth over  $13,000
Russia’s Kirov seizes unmarked vape liquids worth over $13,000
Police in Kirov, Russia, seized unmarked nicotine e-liquids for vapes worth more than 1 million rubles (about $13,000, using 1 ruble = $0.013) in a case involving a 27-year-old entrepreneur. Officers confiscated over 700 bottles from five retail outlets and found more than 8,000 additional units at a warehouse.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | “Switch”-Style Design, Rated 30,000 Puffs: Open-System Klip’s Switch Edition Listed on French Channels
Product | “Switch”-Style Design, Rated 30,000 Puffs: Open-System Klip’s Switch Edition Listed on French Channels
The open-system e-cigarette Klip’s Switch Edition 30K has recently been listed on multiple French vape e-commerce channels. Channel information indicates the product is a collaboration between Fumytech and Tornadoliq and uses an open refill solution. The kit includes a 7 mL pod/cartridge and two 10 mL refill bottles, with a claimed total usage of around 30,000 puffs. The mainstream retail price is about €19.90.
Feb.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australian Government launches new phase of “Give Up For Good” to help people quit smoking and vaping
Australian Government launches new phase of “Give Up For Good” to help people quit smoking and vaping
On January 19, 2026, the Australian Government launched a new phase of the “Give Up For Good” campaign, adding resources and support for Australians looking to quit smoking and vaping.
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ireland’s HSE finds over a fifth of vape shops tested still selling to children despite under-18 ban
Ireland’s HSE finds over a fifth of vape shops tested still selling to children despite under-18 ban
Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) data show that more than a fifth of vape shops tested were still selling nicotine-inhaling vaping products to children, despite a ban on sales to under-18s that took effect on December 22, 2023.
Jan.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Reuters/AP: China Cancels E-cigarette Export Tax Rebate, Manufacturing Industry Faces Cost and Risk Pressures
Reuters/AP: China Cancels E-cigarette Export Tax Rebate, Manufacturing Industry Faces Cost and Risk Pressures
China officially cancels e-cigarette export tax rebate, putting manufacturing under cost and risk pressure.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai