The Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) today said drug abuse in the first quarter of the year was on the decline in Hong Kong, but there was a noticeable rise of cannabis abuse.

Cannabis was the most common type of drug abused for those under the age of 21, followed by cocaine and methamphetamine. Compared with the same period last year, the number of cannabis abusers increased from 38 to 67.

Meanwhile, the overall number of cannabis abusers increased by 57%.

According to the Central Registry of Drug Abuse, the latest figures showed the total number of drug abusers in the first quarter decreased by 17% year-on-year, while the number of drug abusers aged under 21 increased by 15%.

Overall, heroin remained the most common type of drug abused in the city, while methamphetamine continued to be the most common psychotropic substance abused.

The committee’s Chairman Dr Ben Cheung said ACAN and the Narcotics Division are strengthening efforts to help educate the public, especially the youth about the dangers of cannabis.

Commissioner for Narcotics Manda Chan encouraged parents to arrange healthy activities for their children and advise them to refrain from trying drugs and avoid being influenced by others.