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

Thailand’s National Health Commission Office Reviews Two Years of E-Cigarette Control Efforts and Plans Further Recommendations
Thailand’s National Health Commission Office Reviews Two Years of E-Cigarette Control Efforts and Plans Further Recommendations
Thailand’s National Health Commission Office and partner agencies held a public policy forum on March 13 to review results from the past two years of efforts to protect children and youth from e-cigarettes and to prepare recommendations for submission to the National Health Commission.
Mar.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris Says Its Smoke-Free Transition in Spain Now Has Economic Impact Above EUR 3.3 Billion
Philip Morris Says Its Smoke-Free Transition in Spain Now Has Economic Impact Above EUR 3.3 Billion
Philip Morris said it is accelerating its transition toward smoke-free products in Spain and claimed that the related economic impact now exceeds EUR 3.3 billion. Philip Morris also said that more than 90% of nicotine consumption in Spain still comes from conventional cigarettes, leaving room for growth in smoke-free categories, while regulation and taxation remain major obstacles in its view.
Apr.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Reuters: More “Made in America” Vape Products Appear in the U.S. Amid Trump Tariffs and Crackdown
Reuters: More “Made in America” Vape Products Appear in the U.S. Amid Trump Tariffs and Crackdown
According to Reuters, the U.S. vaping market has recently seen an increase in products marketed as “Made in America” amid the Trump administration’s stronger enforcement against unauthorized vape brands and increased trade tariff pressure on Chinese goods. Since October 2025, at least eight new vape brands highlighting American credentials have entered the U.S. market, and none of them has authorization for sale. Brands mentioned by Reuters include Maxus Star and OneTank.
Apr.08
Kyrgyzstan Plans to Extend E-Cigarette Import Ban by Another Six Months
Kyrgyzstan Plans to Extend E-Cigarette Import Ban by Another Six Months
According to Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy, the government plans to extend the current ban on e-cigarette imports by another six months once the existing measure expires, with the new restriction set to take effect on July 10, 2026. The ban covers disposable e-cigarettes as well as nicotine-containing liquids for reusable systems.
Apr.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Brazilian Research Institutions Prepare Joint Recommendations on Electronic Smoking Device Studies
Brazilian Research Institutions Prepare Joint Recommendations on Electronic Smoking Device Studies
Brazil’s National Cancer Institute, the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, and other research institutions are preparing a joint letter with recommendations and guidance for studies on electronic smoking devices, including e-cigarettes, vapes, and similar products. The guidelines were discussed on April 14 and 15 at the seminar “Building a Priority Research Agenda on Electronic Smoking Devices for Brazil” in Rio de Janeiro.
Apr.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Releases Three Ploom AURA Collaboration Panels Inspired by “Sake”
Japan Tobacco Releases Three Ploom AURA Collaboration Panels Inspired by “Sake”
Japan Tobacco announced that it will sponsor “CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2026,” to be held at Roppongi Hills Arena, and set up a dedicated smoking area called “Ploom LOUNGE.” Three Ploom AURA collaboration front panels inspired by the theme of “sake” will be offered at the venue, along with trial use, sales, and related original content.
Apr.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai