Space vapes, explained

As summer approaches, New Zealand drug authorities are sounding the alarm about “space vapes”, circulating fresh warnings about the black-market products amid rising hospitalisations. The primary drug in these illegal vape pods, sometimes sold as “high-dose nicotine” or “liquid ketamine”, is etomidate.

Drug checking service Know Your Stuff says it doesn’t yet have any evidence to suggest etomidate is being widely used here. But with etomidate vapes being more widely used overseas, Know Your Stuff's Casey Spearin thinks we should be prepared for “an influx” into New Zealand. This includes public awareness and education.

“Overall, I don't believe that many users are aware of the risks involved with these,” she says.

Directed, filmed and edited by Isaiah Tour.
Written and presented by Robbie Nicol.
Made with the support of NZ On Air.