PJ clarifies seized substance is synthetic cannabinoid, not ‘space oil’

The Judiciary Police (PJ) have clarified that in the case of a Vietnamese non-local worker selling etomipate (“space oil”) drugs on Wednesday, the e-liquid previously thought to contain etomipate is actually a synthetic cannabinoid.

The PJ held a press conference to announce the first case of etomipate “space oil” being classified under the Narcotics Law.

They reported arresting a Vietnamese man and confiscating more than 600 grams of “space oil,” worth MOP 37,000.

After the initial announcement, the PJ clarified early Friday morning that the rapid test kits used on the seized e-liquid gave incorrect results, showing a “false positive.”

According to the PJ statement, subsequent testing by their Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that the e-liquid actually contained a narcotic substance made from synthetic cannabinoids.

“During the initial investigation, PJ officers used a rapid test kit on the e-cigarette liquid taken from the suspect. The test results showed a positive reaction for etomipate, suggesting the presence of that substance,” the PJ said and emphasized that they are currently collaborating with the relevant manufacturers to investigate the discrepancies in the preliminary rapid testing procedure.

The PJ expressed regret about the incident, stressing the importance of thorough examinations before cases are handed to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP). YL