Over 500 detentions and more than 14 metric tons of illicit substances confiscated as a result of Hong Kong's counter-trafficking operations at the borders.
In a significant development, Wei Xiaojun, the director general of the narcotics control bureau under the Ministry of Public Security, highlighted the emergence of new drugs such as etomidate as a challenge to drug governance.
Etomidate, previously known as "space oil" in Hong Kong, has recently been classified as dangerous by the Hong Kong government, finding itself in the same category as cocaine. The Hong Kong government also classified three related chemicals as dangerous under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.
The authorities of Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong province have been actively combating this issue. Over the past 18 months, they have arrested 512 people in their narcotics-related operations and jointly investigated 151 major drug cases. These investigations led to the seizure of a total of 14.4 tonnes (31,746lbs) of various drugs.
The intensified efforts were evident at the first Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Anti-drug Summit, held on Friday. Officials from mainland China's central and local anti-drug authorities, as well as narcotics officials from Singapore, attended the summit.
Wei Xiaojun, in his keynote speech at the summit, also mentioned major achievements in regional drug control efforts. He stated that drug control cooperation in the Greater Bay Area has achieved significant development.
However, Wei Xiaojun did not specify when the emergence of etomidate occurred. He also did not provide further information about the other new drugs that pose challenges to drug governance.
Officials have warned that the fight against narcotics has become more severe and complicated, with new technologies and types of drugs emerging. This underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation in the fight against illegal drugs.
