The total number of reported drug abusers in Hong Kong fell 17% year-on-year in 2019, the Action Committee Against Narcotics announced today.

According to Central Registry of Drug Abuse figures, the number of reported drug abusers under the aged of 21 slightly increased by 1%.

The figures also showed that the number of reported cannabis abusers rose 5% year-on-year. For drug abusers aged under 21, cannabis was the most common type of psychotropic substance abused, with the number of reported abusers increasing 48%.

Heroin remained the most commonly abused drug, while methamphetamine was still the most common psychotropic substance abused.

Committee Chairman Dr Ben Cheung noted: "Although the total number of reported drug abusers in 2019 decreased compared with that of 2018, the number of cannabis abusers, especially young abusers aged under 21, continued to increase and is a matter of concern."

Commissioner for Narcotics Ivy Law said the Government will continue to strengthen publicity work to provide correct information on the harms of cannabis abuse since some overseas jurisdictions have legalised recreational use of the drug in recent years.