Hong Kong Customs seizes Part 1 Poison worth about $17 million in anti-"space oil" operations
Hong Kong Customs launched a series of anti-"space oil" operations in November and detected nine cases of possession of etomidate (the main ingredient of "space oil"), a kind of Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations. A total of 191 "space oil" infused capsules, and 16 kilograms of etomidate powder that can be used to produce about 48 000 "space oil" infused capsules, with a total estimated market value of about $17 million, were seized. Seven persons suspected to be connected with the cases were arrested.
Based on risk assessment, Customs inspected eight express parcels, arriving from India to Hong Kong and declared as carrying Carbomer, at Hong Kong International Airport. After examination, 16kg of etomidate powder was seized from the parcels. Upon follow-up investigations, Customs conducted controlled delivery operations and arrested three parcel consignees. Also, two etomidate storage centres were shut down.
Furthermore, Customs dismantled a "space oil" distribution and storage centre in Sham Shui Po, seizing 178 "space oil" infused capsules there. Later, two persons-in-charge, a courier involved in the case, and a "space oil" buyer were arrested. Thirteen "space oil" infused capsules were also found from the arrested buyer.
All arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation. Investigations are ongoing, and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against "space oil" through intelligence analysis and maintain close contact with the logistics industry. The department reminds logistics companies to remain vigilant and report to Customs any suspicious activities.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour report hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Hong Kong Customs seizes Part 1 Poison worth about $17 million in anti-"space oil" operations Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Government appoints new Chairman and five members to HKU Council
The Government today (November 27) announced that the Chief Executive, in his capacity as the Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), appointed Mr Peter Wong Tung-shun as the Chairman of the HKU Council for a term of three years with effect from January 1, 2025.
The Chief Executive has also appointed five new members to the HKU Council: Mr Simon Li Tin-chui and Mr Irons Sze for a term of three years with effect from December 1, 2024; and Mr Rock Chen Chung-nin, Mr Wilfred Wong Kam-pui and Dr Samuel Yung Wing-ki for a term of three years with effect from January 1, 2025.
The HKU is a long-established and internationally renownedhigher education institution in Hong Kong. As one of the world's top 100 universities, the HKU is an esteemed Hong Kong institution and commands high expectations from both the Government and the public. With the terms of six members of the HKU Council expiring at the end of this year, the Chief Executive has decided to fill all six positions with new appointees to bring in a new outlook. The newly appointed members are all elites in the community, possessing outstanding capabilities and rich experience. The Chief Executive hopes that the new appointments will provide the HKU's governance with a new outlook and new impetus, begin a new chapter in governance, steer the HKU towards striving for excellence and provide fresh momentum to the university.
This June, the Government established a group composed of the Permanent Secretary for Education and the Chairman of the University Grants Committee to conduct investigations into and studies on the HKU's internal operational affairs, and to recommend improvement measures and good practices. The Chief Executive thanked the group for its unremitting efforts in co-ordinating the HKU's internal operations, enhancing communication, assisting in resolving issues, reaching a consensus, and achieving a positive outcome. The group will continue its work to facilitate collaboration between the new Council and the management for the continuous enhancement of the HKU's governance effectiveness.
Over the past few years, the incumbent Council Chairman and members have made consistent efforts in advancing the HKU's continuous development, as evidenced by the university's outstanding achievements in academic research. The HKU has reached a historical high in the global rankings by climbing nine places to 17th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings published by Quacquarelli Symonds, an international higher education organisation. It has excelled in nurturing social elites and future leaders for Hong Kong, the country and the world, and contributed significantly to Hong Kong's development into an international post-secondary education hub.
The Chief Executive expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Chairman of the HKU Council, Ms Priscilla Wong Pui-sze, and members Mr Jason Chiu, Ms Winnie Chiu Wing-kwan, Mr Ian Grenville Cross, Mr Abraham Shek Lai-him and Mr John Zhao for their work and efforts during their terms.
