Bangkok passenger caught smuggling ‘space oil’ at HK airport
A brazen drug smuggler’s trip from Bangkok to Hong Kong ended in disaster when customs officers uncovered a shocking stash of illicit “space oil” hidden in fruit-flavoured drink powder.
The 22 year old suspect was stopped at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday, February 13, where officials discovered approximately 8 kilogrammes of the substance, containing the controlled drug etomidate, inside his checked luggage and backpack.
The haul, which could have flooded the city’s streets, carries an estimated street value of HK$8.4 million (around 36 million baht).
Officers also seized two suspected alternative smoking products, though further details on those items remain undisclosed.
Following the bust, the young man was immediately arrested, and investigations are ongoing as customs officials crack down on cross-border drug trafficking.
Hong Kong Customs reaffirmed its risk-based approach, stating that officers are closely monitoring high-risk regions and enhancing enforcement measures to tackle international drug smuggling, reported Dimsum Daily HK.
This latest seizure underscores the department’s commitment to protecting public safety and disrupting the drug trade before dangerous substances hit the streets.
In similar news, a 21 year old British man’s trip to Thailand ended in handcuffs after he was arrested at Manchester Airport on February 8 upon his return to the UK.
Matthew Crehan, from St Helens, was taken into custody and later charged with multiple drug supply offences. He faces allegations of supplying class A, B, and C drugs, including cocaine, cannabis resin, ketamine, and nitrous oxide. Additionally, he has been charged with possession of class A substances, namely cocaine and MDMA.
Following his arrest, Crehan was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Wirral Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, February 11.
His arrest forms part of Operation Toxic, a key initiative within Project Medusa, Merseyside Police’s campaign against County Lines drug networks and child criminal exploitation.
Police continue to crack down on organised drug operations, with law enforcement ramping up efforts to dismantle supply chains and disrupt criminal networks.
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