Customs officers on Sunday said they arrested a man in an anti-narcotic operation, in which 15 kilogrammes of suspected etomidate powder were seized.

Officers said they arrested the 46-year-old suspect on Saturday in Tsuen Wan, after finding the suspected substance that could be used to produce space oil drug inside a batch of food packages inside his suitcase.

They also seized two sets of suspected drug inhaling apparatus inside the suspect's residence in Ngau Tau Kok.

Customs investigator Angus Lin said the suspected etomidate powder seized has an estimated market value of about HK$14 million.

"The suspected etomidate powder being seized in this case is the main ingredient of the space oil drug, and is believed to be able to produce 45,000 space oil drug capsules," he said.

"This operation successfully intercepted the raw materials of drugs, and prevented the drugs from being put on the market."

The suspect has been charged with three counts of trafficking in a dangerous drug, possession of a dangerous drug, and possession of apparatus fit and intended for the inhalation of a dangerous drug.

He will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on Tuesday.