Hong Kong police seize 23.3kg of ‘happy powder’, biggest bust of date-rape drug in 10 years

“There were 4,654 bags of the narcotic weighing 23.3kg in her handbag and a suitcase found inside the flat,” he said.

Tong said the illegal substance had an estimated street value of HK$2.3 million (US$294,460), adding it was the biggest seizure of the drug since it was first discovered in the city in 2013.

According to the senior inspector, “happy powder” is a mixture of different drugs such as ketamine and PMMA, or para-methoxymethamphetamine.

“Happy powder is more toxic than crystal meth and Ecstasy, making it more potent,” Tong warned, adding that an overdose could affect a person’s heart rate and in severe cases lead to cardiac arrest.

A police source said the mixture could be slipped into drinks of bar-goers and used as a date-rape drug.

Tong said it came in the shape of granulated sugar and different flavours and colours.

Happy powder, which is highly soluble and concealable, could be secretly added to drinks by criminals to incapacitate others, Tong said.

He warned the public to be on their guard while socialising at bars or other entertainment venues, especially during the summer and long holiday periods.

“It is important to be wary of strangers offering drinks and to never let your own drink out of your sight,” he added.

Police said they believed the 23.3kg haul was delivered to the public housing flat on Monday.

The senior inspector said investigations suggested the woman was recruited by a drug trafficking syndicate and was paid thousands of dollars to store the substance at her flat and also serve as courier. But she was arrested before receiving the money.

“Like other cases, the promised rewards have not materialised. At the end, those recruited by drug trafficking syndicates have become a scapegoat for the criminal organisations,” Tong said.

He said police would continue to carry out intelligence-led operations to stop illegal drugs being smuggled into the city.