Amendments to Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and Control of Chemicals Ordinance to be gazetted on May 4
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The two Orders will respectively add EPH, MPA, MDMB-CHMICA, 5F-APINACA and U-47700 to the First Schedule to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap 134), and ANPP and NPP to Schedule 2 to the Control of Chemicals Ordinance (Cap 145).
The spokesperson said, "The amendments aim to deter the trafficking and abuse of these dangerous drugs and substances. This will help to fortify Hong Kong's defence in the fight against drugs."
The spokesperson added, "Studies reveal that EPH demonstrates typical adverse effects of amphetamine-like stimulants, including tachycardia, hypertension, dilated pupils, agitation and fever. MPA has similar adverse effects as amphetamine, including chest pain/tightening, tachycardia, anxiety, panic attacks, perspiration, headache, nausea, difficulty in breathing, vomiting, difficulty in urinating, sexual dysfunction, auditory and visual hallucinations. For MDMB-CHMICA, it is used as an active ingredient of products sold as cannabis substitutes. Use of MDMB-CHMICA has been associated with acute toxicities and severe adversities including respiratory acidosis, hypothermia, loss of consciousness, severe behavioural and psychological effects. 5F-APINACA belongs to the category of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists, which may cause nausea, vomiting, agitation, hallucinations, panic attacks, tachycardia, hypertension, and occasionally chest pain, acute psychosis, and seizures. U-47700 demonstrates opiate-like adverse effects, including pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, cyanosis, and depressed consciousness.
"The DDO Order will bring the above five substances under the same strict control as other dangerous drugs under Cap 134. Those prosecuted of illicit trafficking and manufacture of these substances are liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment. Possession and consumption of the substances in contravention of Cap 134 also constitute criminal offences.
"Meanwhile, ANPP is an immediate precursor to fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl, which are dangerous drugs controlled under Cap 134. NPP can be used as a starting material for ANPP, or as a direct precursor to a number of fentanyl analogues. Taking into consideration the harms that the dangerous drugs manufactured from ANPP and NPP may cause to abusers, we propose to place the two substances under legislative control.
"The CCO Order will bring ANPP and NPP under the control of Cap 145. It is an offence to possess, manufacture, transport or distribute these substances for the unlawful production of dangerous drugs; or import or export these substances not under and in accordance with a licence issued by the Customs and Excise Department. The maximum penalty is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for 15 years."
The spokesperson said that the Government had consulted the Action Committee Against Narcotics and the Panel on Security of the Legislative Council and they supported the proposed amendments. The Government had also sought the views of relevant trades and stakeholders.
The two Orders will be tabled at the Legislative Council on May 9, 2018 and are expected to become effective on July 6, 2018.
Ends/Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Issued at HKT 16:00
Issued at HKT 16:00
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