The total number of reported drug abusers fell 11% year-on-year to 2,972 in the first quarter of the year, while the number of reported drug abusers aged under 21 dropped 25% to 224 people.
Action Committee Against Narcotics Chairman Ben Cheung announced the figures today, saying they show drug use in Hong Kong continues to decline.
The number of new drug users decreased 2% to 547 and the number of people under 21 getting hooked on drugs fell 12% to 121.
Heroin is still the most commonly abused drug in Hong Kong, while ketamine is the most common psychotropic substance abused. Despite this, the number of heroin users fell 5% and ketamine users dropped 19%.
"Although the number of reported drug abusers has declined, we will not slacken our anti-drug efforts in view of the long drug history of newly reported cases," Mr Cheung said.
"In light of the serious health damage which psychotropic substances could inflict on drug abusers, the problem of hidden drug abuse remains an issue of concern."
The committee will continue to step up publicity to arouse public awareness of the drug problem, he added.
