30th August 2026 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong Police have announced the results of a territory-wide anti-narcotics operation held over the summer holiday, concluding a large-scale enforcement campaign conducted from 12th July to 29th August. In total, 321 individuals aged between 13 and 72 were arrested, including 247 men and 74 women, with those detained facing charges related to the manufacture, trafficking, and possession of dangerous drugs as well as operating drug dens and holding Part I poisons. Among those arrested were 19 boys and 9 girls, with some cases already resulting in prosecution.
During the operation, officers uncovered 234 drug-related cases and seized an estimated 231 kilogrammes of assorted illicit substances with a street value of roughly HK$130 million. Confiscated drugs included around 76 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine, 65 kilogrammes of suspected ketamine, approximately 3.7 litres of suspected liquid etomidate, about 6,400 cartridges suspected to contain etomidate, as well as heroin, cannabis, and methamphetamine. Police reported a marked increase in etomidate-related cases compared to the same period last year. Special attention was given to the exploitation of young people, with some traffickers offering only minimal payment to lure minors into trafficking or drug distribution and attempting to shift legal liability onto youth. One notable case involved a 14-year-old girl arrested for allegedly being recruited to transport 17 suspected etomidate cartridges.
Authorities have stressed the serious health risks posed by etomidate misuse, including severe adverse effects such as vomiting, dangerously low blood pressure, and potentially irreversible damage to the nervous system. Police reminded the public that, under Cap. 134 of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, the manufacture, trafficking, and possession of dangerous drugs, including etomidate, constitute grave criminal offences, carrying maximum penalties of life imprisonment and fines of up to HK$5 million. Law enforcement also warned that any adults found to be deliberately recruiting, instigating or luring juveniles into drug activities will be vigorously pursued, with increased sentencing sought under Section 56A of the ordinance. Alongside robust enforcement efforts, police continue to emphasise preventative education through initiatives such as the Anti-Drug Leader Academy and Anti-Drug Theatre, aiming to instil the correct values and knowledge among youth. Parents are urged to remain attentive to the social circles and daily lives of their children in order to prevent them from falling victim to criminal enterprises.