The total number of reported drug abusers fell 7% year-on-year to 5,050 in the first half of this year, while the number of reported drug abusers aged under 21 dropped 35% to 288.
The Action Committee Against Narcotics said the latest figures from the Central Registry of Drug Abuse showed drug use in Hong Kong continued to decline but the problem of hidden drug abuse and drug abuse among young adults still requires attention.
The number of new drug abusers, at 1,002, fell 12% on the same period last year, while the number of under-21s becoming addicted to drugs fell 22% to 183.
Heroin remains the most commonly abused drug in Hong Kong with the number of abusers down 10%, while methamphetamine continued to surpass ketamine as the most common psychotropic substance abused, with abusers increasing by 14%.
Committee Chairman Dr Ben Cheung said the hidden drug problem continues to call for attention, noting the sustained concerted efforts of the anti-drug sector and various partners in the community will be required to identify hidden abusers early and encourage them to seek help.
Commissioner for Narcotics Manda Chan said the Government will continue its five-pronged strategy in the fight against drugs, namely preventive education and publicity, treatment and rehabilitation, legislation and law enforcement, external co-operation, and research.
