Hong Kong police arrest 5, seize HK$1.1 million of illegal drugs including ‘space oil’

Hong Kong police have arrested five people and seized more than HK$1.1 million (US$141,570) of illegal drugs, including the newly emerging “space oil”, in a crackdown on a local trafficking syndicate.

The force said on Friday that investigations revealed the racket sold various narcotics on the city’s underground market and operated at a Cheung Sha Wan residential flat as its packing and distribution centre.

During Wednesday’s raids on the flat and a car which the syndicate used to deliver illegal substances, officers confiscated 2.8kg (6 lbs) of cannabis buds, 300 grams (11.6 oz) of ketamine, 150 grams of cocaine and 40 grams of crystal meth, according to police.

Senior inspector Fung Pak-hei of the Kowloon East regional anti-triad squad said officers also seized a significant amount of cannabidiol vape pods, cannabis candies, and e-cigarette capsules containing etomidate, commonly known as “space oil”.

Police also found seven bogus HK$1,000 banknotes and four knives as well as equipment used for packaging illegal drugs such as bag sealing machines and electronic scales.

The senior inspector said the seized narcotics had an estimated street value of more than HK$1.1 million.