Gov’t withdraws controversial anti-drugs ad with AI pop stars named after Cannabis, Ice, Cocaine and Etomidate

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) has hastily withdrawn an anti-drugs ad which featured dancing AI-generated pop stars named after cannabis, ice, cocaine, as well as etomidate, known colloquially “space oil.”

Netizens complained that the video, titled “Obsession: The Sugar-Coated Trap” glamorised illegal substances.

It involved four young 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.” Coke states: “Easy-to-drink coke help you keep your mind sharp. Super dope!”

Meanwhile, Little E claims: “Anti-ageing Vitamin ‘E’ comes with different fruity flavours. One puff takes you to space.”

After dancing and introducing themselves, they turn into old men as a slogan reads: “Drugs are extremely harmful and can ruin a life.”

The department removed the videos on Saturday and posted a statement saying it will “balance creativity and the public’s level of acceptance” in the future and ensure its messaging is clear and accurate.

The top comment on a backup YouTube video read: “The most successful drug advertisement ever in Hong Kong.” Another claimed: “After watching it, I want to eat a few bites of each.”

Other commenters praised the fast response of the CSD under their Facebook statement.

You Only Live Once

It is not the first time the government anti-narcotics promotions have raised eyebrows.

In 2021, “You Only Live Once” (YOLO) was selected by the Hong Kong Police Force as a slogan to discourage youngsters from drug-taking.

However, netizens were quick to point out the irony, as according to the Cambridge Dictionary, YOLO “means you should do things that are enjoyable or exciting, even if they are silly or slightly dangerous.”

This March, a poorly-placed ad in Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station appeared to state “take drugs” from a certain angle, promoting an apology from the Security Bureau.

Trafficking and illicit manufacturing of illegal substances carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a HK$5 million fine, while possession and consumption comes with a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of HK$1 million.