Gov’t to add six controlled substances to drug law, submission expected this summer

Macau is set to amend its drug law to include six new controlled substances following approval by the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, with the proposal expected to be submitted to the Legislative Assembly this summer, according to the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS).

Cheang Io Tat, head of the IAS Department of Prevention and Treatment of Problem Gambling and Drug Dependence, said the 68th UN session approved the international control of six substances.

Local authorities are advancing the legislative process and aim to submit the amendment this summer.

An additional three substances, including psychotropic drugs, were approved at the 69th UN session in March. Cheang said Macau must await the UN’s official resolution and substance list before proceeding, with legislative completion expected next year at the earliest.

Cheang noted that Macau can also proactively control substances based on local abuse risks. For example, etomidate, commonly known as “space oil,” was classified as a controlled drug following a June 2025 amendment, despite not yet being internationally scheduled. The Central Registry System recorded four etomidate cases last year.

Overall, 132 drug users were recorded in 2025, a slight decrease from 2024. Two were under 21, with the youngest aged 19. The main substances used by young people were cannabis and etomidate.