Hong Kong is considering changing the name of the illegal narcotic “space oil” to “zombie oil”, as lawmakers raised concerns that the current title could romanticise the drug’s usage.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung on Wednesday revealed the plan to rename space oil, the main ingredient of which is the anaesthetic etomidate, after hearing feedback from the public.
“Some people shared the view that the name space oil is not that good and could romanticise [its use]. We also agree that there is a point there and we will review,” he told lawmakers.
The minister said different options were being considered, including just calling the drug “etomidate”.
“Based on behaviour after consumption, such as losing sanity, performing indecency in public, jumping onto roads and almost getting hit by cars, developing skin inflammation and ulceration, or having a hormone imbalance … some people suggested we should call it zombie oil,” Tang said.
“We are now collecting opinions and hope to decide on a better name in the near future.”
