Police seize record HK$31m of etomidate

The Hong Kong police have made history with the largest seizure of the drug etomidate, amassing approximately 25 kilograms with an estimated street value exceeding HK$31 million, according to the police force. During a raid on an industrial unit in Lai Chi Kok on Tuesday, the Narcotics Bureau discovered a covert drug storage facility masquerading as a logistics company office.

Officers seized roughly 25 kilos of suspected etomidate powder, alongside a substantial amount of packaging materials. Two men, presumably the logistics company employees, were apprehended at the scene. Authorities estimate the powder could be utilized to manufacture over 120,000 etomidate e-cigarette pods. Investigations uncovered that the syndicate employed brand-new express delivery packaging to disguise the drugs as ordinary goods.

As Halloween approaches, senior inspector Chu Chun-yip cautioned that some individuals might have already started stockpiling related drugs and arranging for their distribution at entertainment venues during the holiday. He emphasized that if these drugs enter the market, they could pose a significant risk to the public, particularly adolescents, with consequences too grave to contemplate.

The two suspects are currently detained for investigation, with the case scheduled to be heard at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court on Thursday.