The Department of Correctional Services (CSD) has hastily recalled a drug bust ad which featured dances of AI-generated pop stars named after cannabis, ice, cocaine, as well as etomidate, known in the conversation “space oil.
Netizens complained that the video titled “Obsession: The Sugar Coated Trap” glamorized illegal substances.
It included four new band members named Weedy, Icy, Coke and Little E, representing cannabis, ice, cocaine and etomidate respectively.
Weedy tells viewers, “Romantic smoke will help you forget all your troubles. So chill out.” Coke says: “Easy-drinking Coke helps keep your mind sharp. Super drug!”
Meanwhile, Little E claims, “Anti-Aging Vitamin E comes in different fruit flavors. One puff takes you to space.”
After dancing and introducing themselves, they turn into old men, while a slogan reads: “Drugs are extremely harmful and can destroy a life.”
The department removed the videos on Saturday and posted a statement saying it will “balance creativity and the level of public acceptance” in the future and ensure its messages are clear and accurate.
yeast COMMENTARY a backup YouTube video read: “Hong Kong’s most successful drug ad ever.” Another claimed: “After watching it, I want to eat a few bites of each.”
Other commenters praised CSD’s quick response under their Facebook statement.
You only live once
It is not the first time that the government’s anti-narcotics promotions have raised eyebrows.
In 2021, “You Only Live Once” (YOLO) was chosen by the Hong Kong Police Force as a slogan to discourage young people from taking drugs.
However, netizens were quick to point out the irony, as according to the Cambridge Dictionary, YOLO “means that you should do things that are enjoyable or exciting, even if they are silly or a little dangerous.”
This March, an ill-placed advertisement at Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station appeared to say “take drugs” from a certain angle, promoting an apology from the Security Bureau.
Trafficking and illegal production of illegal substances carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of HK$5 million, while possession and consumption comes with a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and a fine of HK$1 million.
