Hong Kong is to list the date-rape drug gamma-hydroxybutyric (GHB) as a dangerous substance and ban it in line with a United Nations directive.
Narcotics Bureau Chief Superintendent Henrique Koo Sii-hong described the move as prudent, despite the fact GHB has not surfaced in Hong Kong yet.
Commissioner for Narcotics Clarie Lo Ka-lee told a meeting of the United Nations Commission on Narcotics Drugs in Vienna last month that the SAR Government planned to list GHB under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.
The move comes as the latest drug figures released by police showed a 17-fold increase in seizures of Ecstasy - from 21,000 tablets in 1999 to 380,000 last year.
Ketamine seizures soared 12-fold, from 2kg in 1999 to 25kg last year, Police Director of Operations Ng Wai-kit said yesterday.
The United Nations Commission on Narcotics Drugs passed a resolution to regulate GHB under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
GHB is a euphoric hypnotic linked to cases of coma, respiratory problems and death. Mrs Lo told the commission: 'Although there are no reported cases of GHB abuse in Hong Kong to date, it is considered prudent that we follow the UN directive.'
