Authorities in China have issued a fresh warning over a growing trend involving products marketed as “sleep aids” and “stress-relief drinks” that have allegedly been laced with powerful anaesthetic drugs and sold as recreational substances targeting young people.
The issue was highlighted by state broadcaster CCTV ahead of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with experts warning that misuse of the substances could result in permanent brain damage or even death.
Among the products under scrutiny are so-called “brain-high e-cigarettes”, which investigators say contain etomidate, a prescription anaesthetic commonly used in medical procedures.
Police released footage showing a young man allegedly experiencing the effects of an etomidate-laced vape. The individual appeared disoriented and struggled to speak coherently before later testing positive for drug use.
The man, identified only as Xiao Li, said he initially tried the product out of curiosity. After taking just a few puffs, he reportedly felt dizzy and light-headed, while experiencing hand tremors, slurred speech, excessive drooling and difficulty walking.
Experts warned that etomidate acts rapidly and has strong sedative effects. According to drug specialists, users may suffer confusion, memory loss, weakness and impaired judgement shortly after consumption.
Authorities also warned that victims who unknowingly ingest the substance could become vulnerable to crimes such as sexual assault, robbery and physical abuse due to their impaired state.
In severe cases, etomidate can suppress breathing and reduce heart rate, potentially leading to fatal consequences.
China’s 2025 National Drug Situation Report recorded approximately 37,000 cases involving etomidate abuse, accounting for more than a quarter of all drug abuse cases detected nationwide.
Officials noted that many victims were unaware they had consumed the substance after it was secretly mixed into drinks or other products.
Since etomidate was officially classified as a controlled psychotropic substance in 2023, criminal groups have reportedly begun turning to alternative substances, including tiletamine, a veterinary anaesthetic.
Drug experts warned that even small amounts of tiletamine can trigger intense hallucinations, disorientation and tremors, while higher doses may suppress breathing and cause irreversible neurological damage or death.
Authorities said young people remain particularly vulnerable due to curiosity, limited awareness and exposure to misleading marketing tactics.
Illegal operators often disguise the substances as harmless products using labels such as “sleep aid”, “stress-relief happy water” or trendy snack items to attract consumers.
In response to the growing threat, China’s National Narcotics Control Commission announced that 16 additional substances, including tiletamine and difluoroetomidate, will be added to the country’s list of controlled narcotic and psychotropic substances from July 1, 2026.
Law enforcement officials urged the public, especially teenagers and young adults, to avoid consuming unknown drinks, pills or substances offered by strangers.
They warned that these products may appear harmless but can contain dangerous chemicals capable of causing life-changing health consequences within a short period of time.
