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

Thai Research describes e-cigarettes as a “first gateway” for ages 15–20, linked to appearance and flavors
Thai Research describes e-cigarettes as a “first gateway” for ages 15–20, linked to appearance and flavors
A Thai report says Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Santi Piyatat is advancing efforts toward a vape-free society. On Jan. 12, a seminar at the Thai Health Promotion Foundation’s learning center presented a study covering six regions of Thailand on spending related to cigarettes and e-cigarettes and the behavior of different smoker groups.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
California: Stiiizy hit with another lawsuit alleging high-THC vapes marketed to teens
California: Stiiizy hit with another lawsuit alleging high-THC vapes marketed to teens
A new lawsuit in California state court accuses Stiiizy Inc. of steering high-THC vape products toward teens through youth-appealing branding and weak age verification, alleging the plaintiff’s underage use was followed by cannabis-induced psychosis-related symptoms and significant personal harm.
Feb.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Heated tobacco brand DIITO launches in Mongolia
Heated tobacco brand DIITO launches in Mongolia
A new heat-not-burn (HNB) brand, DIITO, has commenced promotional activities in the Mongolian market. The device features an integrated display panel and supports dual heating modes, "RELAX" and "RUSH." Investigations reveal that DIITO’s local promotion closely overlaps with RELX’s official distribution channels. Furthermore, the DIITO trademark is held by the UK-based REAZEN TECH LIMITED, a company that also manages the e-cigarette brand FASTA.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BBC survey: over half of secondary teachers in England say vaping is a problem at their school
BBC survey: over half of secondary teachers in England say vaping is a problem at their school
Granville Academy in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, has joined a county pilot overseen by Derbyshire County Council that puts pupils in charge of reducing vaping in school. After reports of pupils stealing vapes, vaping in toilets and using them while walking home, the school found detentions were not effective and shifted to peer-led education sessions, assemblies and health-warning signage.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI reshuffles U.S. footprint: Swedish Match to shut Richmond office in April; most staff may be relocated
PMI reshuffles U.S. footprint: Swedish Match to shut Richmond office in April; most staff may be relocated
Swedish Match, a unit of Philip Morris International (PMI), will close its office in Richmond, Virginia, in April 2026 and eliminate 135 positions. PMI said the move is tied to adjustments in its U.S. operating footprint.
Feb.03
BREAKING: China Brings Nicotine Pouches Under Tobacco Monopoly Regulation, Signaling Major Shift for Oral Products
BREAKING: China Brings Nicotine Pouches Under Tobacco Monopoly Regulation, Signaling Major Shift for Oral Products
China has for the first time issued clear regulatory rules for nicotine pouches and other oral nicotine products, formally classifying them under the tobacco monopoly alongside cigarettes and tobacco, ending a long-standing legal grey zone and laying the regulatory groundwork for their potential domestic launch.
Jan.09 by Alan Zhao | 2Firsts Perspectives