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

Azerbaijan moves to fine and confiscate e-cigarettes across supply chain; full ban expected April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan moves to fine and confiscate e-cigarettes across supply chain; full ban expected April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan is considering administrative penalties for the use, import, export, production, wholesale and retail sale, and storage for sale of e-cigarettes, including confiscation of products. The proposed amendments were discussed at a parliamentary committee meeting. The draft sets fine ranges for individuals, officials, and legal entities, and introduces a separate fine for vaping in prohibited places and public areas.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Bill Banning Tobacco Sales to People Born After 2008 Clears Parliament
UK Bill Banning Tobacco Sales to People Born After 2008 Clears Parliament
A UK bill banning the legal sale of tobacco to people born on or after January 1, 2009 has completed its passage through parliament. Under the bill, those born in that group will never be able to be legally sold tobacco anywhere in the UK. The legislation is expected to receive royal assent next week. It also gives ministers powers to strengthen public-place smoking restrictions and restricts branding, promotion and advertising of vape and nicotine products aimed at children.
Apr.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
State Attorneys General Urge Visa, Mastercard and Others to Stop Processing Illicit E-Cigarette Transactions
State Attorneys General Urge Visa, Mastercard and Others to Stop Processing Illicit E-Cigarette Transactions
Fourteen U.S. state attorneys general sent a joint letter dated April 14, 2026 to Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover, asking them to immediately help stop the sale of illicit e-cigarette products by cutting off payment access.
Apr.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thai Vape User Numbers Rose More Than 11-Fold in Three Years, Group Says Ban Should Be Reassessed
Thai Vape User Numbers Rose More Than 11-Fold in Three Years, Group Says Ban Should Be Reassessed
A network of e-cigarette users in Thailand has urged the new government to review the country’s vape ban, saying official data show that use has risen sharply despite more than a decade of prohibition.
Mar.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australian Government and Spotify Launch Third Phase of Youth Vaping Education Campaign
Australian Government and Spotify Launch Third Phase of Youth Vaping Education Campaign
The Australian Government and Spotify have launched the third phase of the Youth Vaping Education Campaign under the theme “Buddy Up – Make a Pact to Quit Together.” This phase shifts the focus toward peer and community support by encouraging young people to quit vaping together.
Apr.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Launches Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouches in Japan; Nationwide Rollout Starts April 6
Japan Tobacco Launches Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouches in Japan; Nationwide Rollout Starts April 6
Japan Tobacco (JT) has introduced the new Nordic Spirit nicotine pouch brand in Japan. The Cola Fizz Medium flavor began early sales on March 3, 2026 via the CLUB JT online shop, and will be rolled out sequentially from April 6 through nationwide channels including 7-Eleven, Lawson, and NewDays. The Berry Mix Medium flavor is expected to launch on CLUB JT around mid-March.
Mar.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai