Government tightened drug laws

This is to prevent the abuse of new-trend psychotropic drugs and to hinder the production of ketamine.

According to Hong Kong Information Services Department, the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance Order 2011 and the Control of Chemicals Ordinance Order 2011 will come into effect today, said the Security Bureau.

The drug and chemical laws will control the use of derivatives of piperazine, synthetic cannabinoids and derivatives of cathinone. These three have gained popularity overseas as psychotropic drugs.

According to the Security Bureau, the substances can cause serious damage to abusers and must be controlled.