The total number of reported drug abusers in Hong Kong fell 18% year-on-year in 2017, the Action Committee Against Narcotics announced today.

According to the latest figures of the Central Registry of Drug Abuse, the number of reported drug abusers under the age of 21 also dropped 12%.

The number of new drug abusers decreased by 24%, among them 49% were aged 21 to 35, showing drug abuse in this age group calls for continuous attention.

Heroin remained the most common abused drug while methamphetamine was still the most common psychotropic substance abused. The number of abusers of both dropped.

However, the number of cocaine abusers increased.

Committee Chairman Dr Ben Cheung said: "Although the overall number of reported drug abusers in 2017 declined when compared with 2016, 'ice' abuse is still prevalent and abuse of cocaine and cannabis among youngsters has increased. Meanwhile, the median drug abuse history of 4.3 years suggests that hidden drug abuse remains a cause for concern."

Commissioner for Narcotics Manda Chan said the Government will continue to adopt the five-pronged strategy in the fight against drugs, and strengthen the dissemination of anti-drug messages and promotion of the anti-drug hotline.