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

Belarus opts for stricter regulation instead of full e-cigarette ban
Belarus opts for stricter regulation instead of full e-cigarette ban
Belarus rejects full e-cigarette ban, opts for stricter regulation. Officials plan to restrict wholesaling and strengthen import and production permits.
Mar.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Haypp Reports 15% Q4 Sales Growth as Nicotine Pouch Volumes Rise
Haypp Reports 15% Q4 Sales Growth as Nicotine Pouch Volumes Rise
Haypp Group announced that net sales for October–December 2025 rose 15% year-on-year to SEK 1,052.2 million, or 19% in constant currency terms. The company recorded 28% volume growth in the nicotine pouch category during the quarter. The number of orders increased to 1.34 million, and active consumers rose to 630,000, marking the highest level in the company’s history. CEO Gavin O’Dowd said the company’s accelerating topline performance in the US and UK positions it for a strong 2026.
Market
Feb.22
UK OPSS launches vape safety campaign focusing on use, charging and disposal
UK OPSS launches vape safety campaign focusing on use, charging and disposal
The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) published information on March 4, 2026, launching a new campaign to raise awareness among young people about safety issues linked to using, charging and disposing of vapes.
Mar.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
West Virginia Bill Would Direct USD 2.9 Million of Juul Settlement to Youth Tobacco and Vaping Prevention
West Virginia Bill Would Direct USD 2.9 Million of Juul Settlement to Youth Tobacco and Vaping Prevention
A bill completed during West Virginia’s 2026 regular legislative session would make a one-time allocation of USD 2.9 million from the state’s USD 7.9 million settlement with Juul to youth tobacco prevention and cessation programs.
Mar.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Oklahoma prisons to sell vapes and nicotine pouches to inmates in bid to curb contraband and violence
Oklahoma prisons to sell vapes and nicotine pouches to inmates in bid to curb contraband and violence
Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) will launch a program allowing inmates to buy sealed disposable nicotine vapes and packs of nicotine pouches through prison commissaries. Tobacco has been banned in Oklahoma prisons for 10 years, and cigarettes and cigars will remain prohibited.
Feb.28
Bonnie Herzog:U.S. nicotine market seen at about $67B in revenue by 2035 as smoke-free expands
Bonnie Herzog:U.S. nicotine market seen at about $67B in revenue by 2035 as smoke-free expands
Goldman Sachs Managing Director Bonnie Herzog said the U.S. nicotine market is attractive and growing, with total revenue projected to reach about $67 billion by 2035. She expects cigarettes to account for a smaller share of revenue (47%) as smoke-free revenue expands and becomes a key driver of industry profit growth. Herzog said smoke-free products represent about 48% of U.S. nicotine volumes today and could rise to roughly 75% by 2035.
Mar.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai